A grand anniversary celebration is planned for Wyoming’s historic rodeo and festival, including the dedication of a statue honoring late cowboy and singer Chris LeDoux.
Considered one of the most substantial and authentic rodeo events in the world, Cheyenne Frontier Days began as a small festival in 1897 designed to put cowboys to the test in the areas of bronco busting, steer roping, and other rodeo events. It’s still going strong and has been dubbed “The Daddy of ’Em All” heading into its 125th edition scheduled for this July. While details and the scope are still being finalized due to pandemic-related protocols, one very special portion of the anniversary event is set: a dedication in Frontier Park of a new bronze statue of the late rodeo cowboy and music artist Chris LeDoux.
LeDoux grew up close by after his family moved to Wyoming from Texas, competed in bareback events at CFD, and went on to become one of country music’s most beloved troubadours. According to writer Chuck Coon, “This monument by artist D. Michael Thomas from Buffalo, Wyoming, stunningly memorializes Chris LeDoux’s contributions to the rodeo and music worlds along with his well-deserved place in Cheyenne Frontier Days history.”
Own A Piece Of History
We invite you to own a piece of Cheyenne Frontier Days
history with a numbered, limited edition Chris LeDoux Bronze statue.
In 2021 a Chris LeDoux bronze statue will be added to the sculpture collection on Frontier Park. This sculpture is by artist, D. Michael Thomas from Buffalo, Wyo., and memorializes the tie of Chris LeDoux to the rodeo and music worlds and his place in Cheyenne Frontier Days history.
A World Champion bareback rider in 1976, this accomplished Wyoming musician blended his love of rodeo and writing into a music career that celebrated the Western way of life. A veteran of both the rodeo arena by day and the main stage at night, Chris LeDoux was a beloved part of our celebration.
Keep tabs on the plans and ticket options for the 2021 Cheyenne Frontier Days at cfdrodeo.com.
Photography: (Cover image) courtesy Cheyenne Frontier Days/Steven Girt, (Chris LeDoux image) courtesy Capital Records/Butch Adams
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