Then, now: CFD events continue through years

  • Published
  • By Mike Byrd and Paula Taylor
  • 90th Missile Wing
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  It's hot; it's July; it's Cheyenne; and it's time for the 112th annual Cheyenne Frontier Days. 

That means bull riding, bronco busting, and buffalo tosses as well as a free pancake breakfast. Crowds, laughter and cheers from near and far will come; cameras will snap and flash. 

It's been consecutive annual Cheyenne Frontier Days, growing since its inception in 1897 to become the 'Daddy of em' all, the "Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration in the World." 

So, how did the military get involved in this western tradition? Are those traditions still being celebrated 112 years later? 

Cheyenne and the base celebrate the same birthday, and Cheyenne has always been a military town, first welcoming Soldiers from Ft. D.A. Russell and now Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base. 

During the first Sept. 23, 1897, the 76th Field Artillery helped announce the birth of the event by firing cannon Battery A. 

That same year, Army Capt. Thomas Pitcher, in command of the 1st Battalion of the 8th Infantry Regiment, marched his troops into the rodeo arena where they raised tents and proceeded to hold their mock battle where thousands assembled to watch this new exciting event. 

The 13th Field Artillery executed intricate maneuvers with caissons in the arena between events. 

To end the first CFD, the 1st Regiment band escorted visitors to the depot and rendered a concert before the train departed, ending the very first CFD. 

From 1897 on, the military has been an integral part of this celebration. Infantry, cavalry, field artillery and Air Force service members have been stationed here. Each have stimulated and inspired spectators by their maneuvers. The military still arouses the pride and patriotism of all, as it has since the show's inception. 

In later CFDs, the infantry staged battles and executed precision movements in the famous Butt's Manual of early days; the 13th U.S. Cavalry's renowned Black Horse Troop brought the crowd to their feet with their horsemanship; the 76th Field Artillery, in fast moving hazardous maneuvers with horse drawn caissons, stunned the patrons; and the Air Force executed acrobatics with aircraft - propeller driven at first and jet propelled later. 

During the third annual event, a grand ball was held to celebrate the beginning of CFD, similar to the current coronation ball. 

In the 1910 CFD parade, the grand marshall was followed by 3,000 troops from Fort Russell, including the men of the 11th infantry, 4th Field Artillery and 9th Cavalry. 

In 1917, the 1st U.S. Cavalry performed drills in the arena. Today, this tradition continues with the Trotters performing their precision riding drills at Fort D.A. Russell Days. 

The first Miss Frontier was crowned in 1931 and the first coronation ball was held in 1965. Since that time, the military has planned and executed the annual coronation ball for each Miss Frontier. 

For the past 54 years, the world famous flying team, the Thunderbirds, equipped with jet planes, has staged the spectacular aerial acrobatics over the city and base during the rodeo week. The Thunderbirds gave their first public show in Cheyenne, and they have chosen to appear at the Cheyenne annual air show since. 

During the last 14 years, the base open house has had Civil War, Indian War, Spanish-American War. World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and modern exhibits depicting "mock" battles. Patrons are also offered the opportunity to participate in historic dances.
Military bands still entertain crowds with both Wild Blue Country from the Air Force Academy, Colo., and the Heartland of America Band From Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., playing country and rock music for participants at CFD and Fort D.A. Russell Days. 

Of the eleven scheduled events at that first CFD, five are still part of the celebration today: steer roping, wild horse racing, bronco riding and military and Indian demonstrations. 

Today, the general committee of CFD consists of 12 members. It did not always have a military member. It was not until 1938 when Army Maj. H.E. Fuller was the first military person assigned to the committee. This tradition is 70 years old this year with Col. Gary Pond, Twentieth Air Force vice commander, as the military chair. 

The military and CFD has not stopped the long standing traditions. Please enjoy the base open house and Fort D.A. Russell Days, where people relive these traditions.