(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 04, 2010 ) SHERIDAN, Wyo. – After 80 years in the making, the WYO Rodeo has put Sheridan on the map. Voted the orgininal ‘#1 Western Town in America’, Sheridan has flourished into a Mecca of cowboy culture – and it’s not just about the rodeo anymore. During rodeo week, July 9 – 18, travelers can expect the streets to be filled with thousands gathering to get a real taste of the Old West. Yes, people come from all over the nation to see the best cowboys and cowgirls compete in events such as bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, trick riding, bareback racing and the World Champion Indian Relay Races. The parade, barbeques, carnival and street dances also really brings life to one of Wyoming’s biggest celebrations.
Cowboy Up! The Low-Down on the WYO Rodeo
The Sheridan WYO Rodeo is one of the top ranked events by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Woman’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). The WYO Rodeo prize money won by contestants consistently makes the top tier of over 600 PRCA rodeos that pay out more than thirty million dollars each year. This year, the rodeo has added a day of events and will span across four nights, July 14 – 17.
New this year, the 80th Annual Sheridan WYO Rodeo will be one of 22 rodeos on the infamous Million Dollar Tour of the PRCA. The decision to join the tour brings with it additional opportunities for the contestants to win an even greater purse. The Million Dollar Tour participation allows PRCA contestants to count the money earned in tour rodeos toward two separate “playoff” rodeos.
Icing on Top – All the fun ‘Extras’
The week kicks off with the 4th Annual Chris LeDoux Spurs and Spikes Golf Tournament, July 9-10, at the ‘Top 100’ ranked Powder Horn Golf Club. The 2-day tournament, open to the public with a limited number of teams, includes a practice round, BBQ, auction and live entertainment Friday.
Visitors can kick off their bootsÂ… literally. Take the family out on the town for live music the on the first weekend and see just how far you can kick off your boots for prizes and bragging rights.
The WYO Rodeo parade has long since been at the heart of this week long extravaganza. Cowboys and Cowgirls can hit the street Saturday morning, July 16, to the infamous Drum and Bugle Corp lead floats through the city center. After, families can catch an authentic Indian Pow-Wow from regional Native American tribes.
The last day of rodeo week would not be complete without the tailgate party and polo game. Sheridan makes a perfect venue for avid fans and first-time polo watchers alike as the historic playing field has been hosting competitions since the 1890Â’s.
For more information on booking and the WYO Rodeo visit www.sheridanwyoming.org or contact Penny Becker at (307) 673-7120.
