Rodeos

July 17, 2009

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Profile America — Friday, July 17th. Two of the nation’s premier rodeos are entertaining tens of thousands this week. The Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, is winding up tomorrow. Now in its 94th year, it will draw 45,000 people to see top cowboys and cowgirls in action. And today kicks off Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming. Known as the “daddy of ’em all,” the world’s largest outdoor rodeo will draw more than a half-million spectators during its nine days of events. Started in 1897, Frontier Days features a daily rodeo, parades and chuck wagon racing. Rodeos prove the continuing allure of the Old West. Each year, nearly 6.5 million Americans attend these events showcasing the everyday skills of cowboys. Profile America is beginning its 13th year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2009, p. 361, 364
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2009, t. 1206
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2009edition.html