2008
May 9, 2008
BUFFALO BILL AND HIS WILD WEST SHOW BACK IN THE SADDLE
SHERIDAN, June, 28th 2008 . . . The Buffalo Bill Days & Wild West Show brings together the life and times of Buffalo Bill through a unique glimpse into America's Wild West and its romantic and legendary past. Spectators and participants alike will find something to their liking in this event-packed week, June 24-28, of authentic Western events, similar to when Buffalo Bill was in residence in Sheridan, Wyoming.
Participating in Buffalo Bill Days is like stepping back into a Western Brigadoon where time has stopped and the past is vivid and alive. Sheridan Wyoming, voted the #1 Western Town in the U.S. by True West Magazine, was home to Buffalo Bill, who leased the Sheridan Inn and took up residence there in 1893. Here he was known for entertaining dignitaries from around the world, as well as auditioning and hiring his Wild West Show performers from the front porch of the hotel.
The festival's main attraction is held Saturday evening at 7:00 pm at the Sheridan Fair Grounds bringing to life Buffalo Bill's Original Wild West Show. Hold onto your hat for the trick ropers and Roman Riders. And watch in amazement at the precision and mastery of the Westernaires, who make synchronized horse riding look easy. The grand entry parade, lead by Buffalo Bill into the arena, is not to be missed. Accompanying music, performed by the New Sheridan Cornet Band, will play authentic period tunes from the time of Buffalo Bill's Cowboy Band.
A host of events, depicting Wyoming in the late-1800s, pack the week. For the first time ever, Buffalo Bill Days kicks off beginning Tuesday night with the Wild West Serenade and Prairie Picnic with free Bluegrass music on the Inn's lawn. A Living History Family Night has also been added to the week's festivities and is scheduled for Wednesday evening. Beginning at 5 PM you’ll be able to get a glimpse into history and try your hand at churning butter, participate in a pie eating contest, or observe demonstrations of the lifestyles, weapons and tools of the frontier infantry and cavalry.
Thursday through Saturday features yet another new event for 2008 - the Cowboy Mounted Shooters and the Super Horse Competition! Be sure to take in the events daily at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds, starting at 2.00 pm Thursday. Who knows, you may even run into Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley or Calamity Jane . . . And don’t miss the Showcase for the Cowboy Mounted Shooters at 5.00 pm on Saturday.
The celebration continues on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. with an 1890's-period Grand Victorian Ball. Participants dress up in period attire and dance the jigs of the late 1800's (dance lessons earlier in the week are included in the ticket price; Victorian garb for both the ladies and gents are available for rent from the local haberdasheries.)
Early Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m., if you can get up after all of that two-stepping the night before, Mosey on out to Wyarno Wy. and hail the start of the Pony Express reenactment as horse and rider sprint off on the first leg of this historic ride en-route to Sheridan. Spectators will be on hand at 9:00 a.m. as the final rider and horse is anticipated to arrive in Sheridan at the Sheridan Inn with mail in hand to be delivered to Buffalo Bill and the Sheridan Post Master.
The Pony Express reenactment is followed by an old fashion Western-style parade down Sheridan's Main Street starting at 10:00 a.m., which swings its way back to the Sheridan Inn just in time for the annual Chuck Wagon lunch that starts at 11:30 a.m... The public is invited to partake in good grub and to help celebrate the Historic Sheridan Inn's 115th anniversary.
This year events are held at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds as well as the Sheridan Inn even as the Inn undergoes a comprehensive restoration project, including the exciting restoration of the second and third floor into 22 hotel suites, unused for over forty years.
For ticket information and more details on the Buffalo Bill Days and Wild West Show, go to www.buffalobilldays.org . For accommodations and other activities in and around the Sheridan area, go to www.sheridanwyoming.org .
May 1, 2008
TRAIL END – A COWBOY TURNED POLITICIAN
Since its completion in 1913, Trail End – now the Trail End State Historic Site – has greeted thousands of visitors, from family and friends to school children and international tourists. Built by cowboy-turned-politician John B. Kendrick, Trail End displays an elegantly different aspect of both Wyoming's colorful ranching history and Sheridan's rich western heritage. For modern day visitors, Trail End offers a fun and educational experience, while touring the mansion.
The Trail End is now open for its twenty-sixth visitation season. The historic site, which was a Sheridan landmark long before it opened as a state property in 1982, examines life in Sheridan during the years 1913 to 1933, mostly through the eyes of its original owners, the Kendrick family.
New at Trail End this year is a whole-house exhibit entitled "Youngsters to be Proud Of: The Changing Nature of Childhood As Seen Through Three Generations of Kendrick Family Children." According to Trail End Site Superintendent Cynde Georgen, the exhibit looks at an aspect of life we all experience, from infancy to the teenage years. "Our exhibits examine not only the fun things of childhood – toys, books, food and clothing – but some of the more serious aspects as well, including illness, adoption and single-parents families."
This year's exhibit features a number of early 20th Century dolls, toys, books and articles of clothing, plus illustrations and quotes from period magazines and local newspapers. Site Curator, Sharie Mooney, notes that nearly all the items on exhibit come from the Trail End collection, and includes a new hands-on discovery box filled with touchable items that kids and their parents can explore.
"Youngsters to be Proud Of" will be on display at Trail End throughout the 2008 season, which continues through Sunday, December 14th. The Trail End State Historic Site is located at 400 Clarendon Avenue in Sheridan, just minutes from the historic Main Street District, Kendrick Park, the Sheridan County Rodeo grounds, and the Historic Sheridan Inn.
Hours are 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. daily, seven days a week. Summer hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. begin June 1st and continue through the end of August. The site will be open the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as well as all day on the Fourth of July.
Admission fees are family friendly: $2.00 for adults ($1.00 for Wyoming residents), with children seventeen and under admitted free (when accompanied by an adult). The site is nearly one hundred percent handicapped accessible. Trail End is a component of the Division of State Parks & Historic Sites, Wyoming Department of Parks and Cultural Resources. For more information, phone Trail End at 307-674-4589.
April 2008
15th ANNUAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN LEATHER TRADE SHOW - MAY 16th - 18th
Educational, and innovative products, hundreds of saddle makers and leather crafters from across the U.S. converge in one great week for leather. Visit 100 leather related exhibits for hobbyists and tradespersons. View the World Leather Debut's gallery of custom-made leather items by global artisans at the 15th annual Rocky Mountain Leather Trade show - May 16th - 18th in Sheridan, Wyoming.
In honor of Don King, legendary master saddle maker and leatherworker, the show will host the first-ever Don King Memorial Saddle Contest, to focus on the roper saddle, offering four divisions complete with contest prizes. Tradeshow manager David Reis states with genuine enthusiasm, "It is an understatement to say we miss Don – he was so vital to so many. With this event being in Don's honor, I venture we'll see some of the most exquisite work to date coming from around the globe."
A highlight of the workshops which covers "Introduction to Profesional Leathercraft, Chap Making, Braiding the Bosal, Making a Pair of Saddle Bags, Celtic Knot and Welsh Dragon Carving, Pattern Layout, How to Use Your Leather Tools, Saddle Making as a Business, Tool a Sheridan Style Checkbook Pattern, Beginning Leathercraft for Youth (19 or younger), and Making Leather Jewelry" are held through out the week prior to
the trade show's opening Friday, May 16th. The public is invited and no admission is charged. Workshops and Saddle Week preceding the Show are fee based.
While in Sheridan enjoy the ultimate western experience rich in history, forts, museums and mansion, outdoor adventure, scenery and wildlife, unique western shopping, and the best golf Wyoming offers all surrounded by the majestic Big Horn Mountains, visit www.sheridanwyoming.org .
For details on the Trade Show, held at the Sheridan Holiday Inn, contact Leather Crafters & Saddlers Journal at (715) 362-5393 or toll free 888-289-6409.
March 2008
SHERIDAN, WY - NUMBER THREE IN THE NATION
Yet another status reached, that Sheridan can be proud of . . . Outdoor Life magazine ranked Sheridan as #3 in the nation for their Top 200 Towns for Outdoorsmen!
Interesting that Outdoor Life's selection process began with quality of life, including growth rate of local economy, unemployment rate, taxation, commute time to work, crime rate, income, AND variety of cultural opportunities! Yes indeed, Sheridan also ranks well in their sporting perspectives from year-round fishing and hunting opportunities, to quality trophy, proximity to public land, etc.
We are proud of the many opportunities the Sheridan area and our majestic Big Horn Mountains provide outdoorsmen and women . . . There are exciting outdoor opportunities for all four seasons - from hiking & biking, to hang gliding & rock climbing, hunting & fishing, to wildlife photography, polo, golf in Wyoming's Golf Capital, and much more . . . We really do have it all! And that explains just why we in Sheridan Travel and Tourism are challenged to vary our promotional features often in order to cover it all.
Now transition into our current season's outdoor activities, From Old West to Snow West, with our varied winter sports and Top 15 ranking for snowmobile trails explored by visitors and locals alike . . . With March and April our high-tourism winter season and yet another foot of new powder last weekend, thousands are enticed to discover or re-discover this boondocker heaven!
Sledheads from across the region continue to flock to our Big Horns with their vast open meadows and 300 miles of groomed and 50 miles of ungroomed trails. The snow base is now 44" - 59" with 50 - 80% chance of new snow every day throughout the coming weekend. A day, a week or a lifetime to stay and play in the Big Horns!
SnoWest Magazine praises the Big Horns as "one of the West's best-kept secrets - offering solitude, scenery and GREAT SNOW!" The Big Horn Trail System is perpetually rated in the Top 15, with the nearest trailhead just 15 miles southwest of Sheridan at Red Grade Road. With 100% 'real', dry powder, challenges and excitement continue through April!
In addition, during this season, the mountain in our backyard offers enthusiasts a variety of outdoor adventures, including snow shoeing and snow boarding, alpine and cross-country skiing, as well as wildlife viewing. To explore area adventures, access trail maps, fantastic new features on Snow Reports and forecast conditions for Northern WY - North Bighorns visit www.sheridanwyoming.org/winter.
Visitors embrace Sheridan, voted # 1 Western Town in America, also with it’s convenient location adjacent to Interstate 90 in north central Wyoming, and midway between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore National Monument. Sheridan calls to our visitors before and after fun on the mountain, to enjoy the nightlife in historic downtown, comfortable and varied lodging, fine dining, and our warm western hospitality!
From Old West to Snow West - Boondocking the Big Horn's Near Sheridan, Wyoming - voted #1 Western Town in America!
May 9, 2008
BUFFALO BILL AND HIS WILD WEST SHOW BACK IN THE SADDLE
SHERIDAN, June, 28th 2008 . . . The Buffalo Bill Days & Wild West Show brings together the life and times of Buffalo Bill through a unique glimpse into America's Wild West and its romantic and legendary past. Spectators and participants alike will find something to their liking in this event-packed week, June 24-28, of authentic Western events, similar to when Buffalo Bill was in residence in Sheridan, Wyoming.
Participating in Buffalo Bill Days is like stepping back into a Western Brigadoon where time has stopped and the past is vivid and alive. Sheridan Wyoming, voted the #1 Western Town in the U.S. by True West Magazine, was home to Buffalo Bill, who leased the Sheridan Inn and took up residence there in 1893. Here he was known for entertaining dignitaries from around the world, as well as auditioning and hiring his Wild West Show performers from the front porch of the hotel.
The festival's main attraction is held Saturday evening at 7:00 pm at the Sheridan Fair Grounds bringing to life Buffalo Bill's Original Wild West Show. Hold onto your hat for the trick ropers and Roman Riders. And watch in amazement at the precision and mastery of the Westernaires, who make synchronized horse riding look easy. The grand entry parade, lead by Buffalo Bill into the arena, is not to be missed. Accompanying music, performed by the New Sheridan Cornet Band, will play authentic period tunes from the time of Buffalo Bill's Cowboy Band. A host of events, depicting Wyoming in the late-1800s, pack the week. For the first time ever, Buffalo Bill Days kicks off beginning Tuesday night with the Wild West Serenade and Prairie Picnic with free Bluegrass music on the Inn's lawn. A Living History Family Night has also been added to the week's festivities and is scheduled for Wednesday evening. Beginning at 5 PM you’ll be able to get a glimpse into history and try your hand at churning butter, participate in a pie eating contest, or observe demonstrations of the lifestyles, weapons and tools of the frontier infantry and cavalry.
Thursday through Saturday features yet another new event for 2008 - the Cowboy Mounted Shooters and the Super Horse Competition! Be sure to take in the events daily at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds, starting at 2.00 pm Thursday. Who knows, you may even run into Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley or Calamity Jane . . . And don’t miss the Showcase for the Cowboy Mounted Shooters at 5.00 pm on Saturday.
The celebration continues on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. with an 1890's-period Grand Victorian Ball. Participants dress up in period attire and dance the jigs of the late 1800's (dance lessons earlier in the week are included in the ticket price; Victorian garb for both the ladies and gents are available for rent from the local haberdasheries.)
Early Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m., if you can get up after all of that two-stepping the night before, Mosey on out to Wyarno Wy. and hail the start of the Pony Express reenactment as horse and rider sprint off on the first leg of this historic ride en-route to Sheridan. Spectators will be on hand at 9:00 a.m. as the final rider and horse is anticipated to arrive in Sheridan at the Sheridan Inn with mail in hand to be delivered to Buffalo Bill and the Sheridan Post Master.
The Pony Express reenactment is followed by an old fashion Western-style parade down Sheridan's Main Street starting at 10:00 a.m., which swings its way back to the Sheridan Inn just in time for the annual Chuck Wagon lunch that starts at 11:30 a.m... The public is invited to partake in good grub and to help celebrate the Historic Sheridan Inn's 115th anniversary.
This year events are held at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds as well as the Sheridan Inn even as the Inn undergoes a comprehensive restoration project, including the exciting restoration of the second and third floor into 22 hotel suites, unused for over forty years.
For ticket information and more details on the Buffalo Bill Days and Wild West Show, go to www.buffalobilldays.org . For accommodations and other activities in and around the Sheridan area, go to www.sheridanwyoming.org .
May 1, 2008
TRAIL END – A COWBOY TURNED POLITICIAN
Since its completion in 1913, Trail End – now the Trail End State Historic Site – has greeted thousands of visitors, from family and friends to school children and international tourists. Built by cowboy-turned-politician John B. Kendrick, Trail End displays an elegantly different aspect of both Wyoming's colorful ranching history and Sheridan's rich western heritage. For modern day visitors, Trail End offers a fun and educational experience, while touring the mansion.
The Trail End is now open for its twenty-sixth visitation season. The historic site, which was a Sheridan landmark long before it opened as a state property in 1982, examines life in Sheridan during the years 1913 to 1933, mostly through the eyes of its original owners, the Kendrick family.
New at Trail End this year is a whole-house exhibit entitled "Youngsters to be Proud Of: The Changing Nature of Childhood As Seen Through Three Generations of Kendrick Family Children." According to Trail End Site Superintendent Cynde Georgen, the exhibit looks at an aspect of life we all experience, from infancy to the teenage years. "Our exhibits examine not only the fun things of childhood – toys, books, food and clothing – but some of the more serious aspects as well, including illness, adoption and single-parents families."
This year's exhibit features a number of early 20th Century dolls, toys, books and articles of clothing, plus illustrations and quotes from period magazines and local newspapers. Site Curator, Sharie Mooney, notes that nearly all the items on exhibit come from the Trail End collection, and includes a new hands-on discovery box filled with touchable items that kids and their parents can explore.
"Youngsters to be Proud Of" will be on display at Trail End throughout the 2008 season, which continues through Sunday, December 14th. The Trail End State Historic Site is located at 400 Clarendon Avenue in Sheridan, just minutes from the historic Main Street District, Kendrick Park, the Sheridan County Rodeo grounds, and the Historic Sheridan Inn.
Hours are 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. daily, seven days a week. Summer hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. begin June 1st and continue through the end of August. The site will be open the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as well as all day on the Fourth of July.
Admission fees are family friendly: $2.00 for adults ($1.00 for Wyoming residents), with children seventeen and under admitted free (when accompanied by an adult). The site is nearly one hundred percent handicapped accessible. Trail End is a component of the Division of State Parks & Historic Sites, Wyoming Department of Parks and Cultural Resources. For more information, phone Trail End at 307-674-4589.
April 2008
15th ANNUAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN LEATHER TRADE SHOW - MAY 16th - 18th
Educational, and innovative products, hundreds of saddle makers and leather crafters from across the U.S. converge in one great week for leather. Visit 100 leather related exhibits for hobbyists and tradespersons. View the World Leather Debut's gallery of custom-made leather items by global artisans at the 15th annual Rocky Mountain Leather Trade show - May 16th - 18th in Sheridan, Wyoming.
In honor of Don King, legendary master saddle maker and leatherworker, the show will host the first-ever Don King Memorial Saddle Contest, to focus on the roper saddle, offering four divisions complete with contest prizes. Tradeshow manager David Reis states with genuine enthusiasm, "It is an understatement to say we miss Don – he was so vital to so many. With this event being in Don's honor, I venture we'll see some of the most exquisite work to date coming from around the globe." A highlight of the workshops which covers "Introduction to Profesional Leathercraft, Chap Making, Braiding the Bosal, Making a Pair of Saddle Bags, Celtic Knot and Welsh Dragon Carving, Pattern Layout, How to Use Your Leather Tools, Saddle Making as a Business, Tool a Sheridan Style Checkbook Pattern, Beginning Leathercraft for Youth (19 or younger), and Making Leather Jewelry" are held through out the week prior to
the trade show's opening Friday, May 16th. The public is invited and no admission is charged. Workshops and Saddle Week preceding the Show are fee based.
While in Sheridan enjoy the ultimate western experience rich in history, forts, museums and mansion, outdoor adventure, scenery and wildlife, unique western shopping, and the best golf Wyoming offers all surrounded by the majestic Big Horn Mountains, visit www.sheridanwyoming.org .
For details on the Trade Show, held at the Sheridan Holiday Inn, contact Leather Crafters & Saddlers Journal at (715) 362-5393 or toll free 888-289-6409.
March 2008
SHERIDAN, WY - NUMBER THREE IN THE NATION
Yet another status reached, that Sheridan can be proud of . . . Outdoor Life magazine ranked Sheridan as #3 in the nation for their Top 200 Towns for Outdoorsmen!
Interesting that Outdoor Life's selection process began with quality of life, including growth rate of local economy, unemployment rate, taxation, commute time to work, crime rate, income, AND variety of cultural opportunities! Yes indeed, Sheridan also ranks well in their sporting perspectives from year-round fishing and hunting opportunities, to quality trophy, proximity to public land, etc.
We are proud of the many opportunities the Sheridan area and our majestic Big Horn Mountains provide outdoorsmen and women . . . There are exciting outdoor opportunities for all four seasons - from hiking & biking, to hang gliding & rock climbing, hunting & fishing, to wildlife photography, polo, golf in Wyoming's Golf Capital, and much more . . . We really do have it all! And that explains just why we in Sheridan Travel and Tourism are challenged to vary our promotional features often in order to cover it all.
Now transition into our current season's outdoor activities, From Old West to Snow West, with our varied winter sports and Top 15 ranking for snowmobile trails explored by visitors and locals alike . . . With March and April our high-tourism winter season and yet another foot of new powder last weekend, thousands are enticed to discover or re-discover this boondocker heaven!
Sledheads from across the region continue to flock to our Big Horns with their vast open meadows and 300 miles of groomed and 50 miles of ungroomed trails. The snow base is now 44" - 59" with 50 - 80% chance of new snow every day throughout the coming weekend. A day, a week or a lifetime to stay and play in the Big Horns!
SnoWest Magazine praises the Big Horns as "one of the West's best-kept secrets - offering solitude, scenery and GREAT SNOW!" The Big Horn Trail System is perpetually rated in the Top 15, with the nearest trailhead just 15 miles southwest of Sheridan at Red Grade Road. With 100% 'real', dry powder, challenges and excitement continue through April!
In addition, during this season, the mountain in our backyard offers enthusiasts a variety of outdoor adventures, including snow shoeing and snow boarding, alpine and cross-country skiing, as well as wildlife viewing. To explore area adventures, access trail maps, fantastic new features on Snow Reports and forecast conditions for Northern WY - North Bighorns visit www.sheridanwyoming.org/winter.
Visitors embrace Sheridan, voted # 1 Western Town in America, also with it’s convenient location adjacent to Interstate 90 in north central Wyoming, and midway between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore National Monument. Sheridan calls to our visitors before and after fun on the mountain, to enjoy the nightlife in historic downtown, comfortable and varied lodging, fine dining, and our warm western hospitality!
From Old West to Snow West - Boondocking the Big Horn's Near Sheridan, Wyoming - voted #1 Western Town in America!
- Sledders reporting great snow
- Abundant scenic vistas and exciting off-trail opportunities
- Hundreds of miles of trails on over 1 million acres of Big Horn National Forest
- Challenging and endless riding in vast open meadows on countless miles of cross-country trails
- Easy access to fresh untracked powder
- If you have short skis, you will want to leave them at home
- Limited crowds both on and off the trails
According to Jim Schellinger, Chairperson of Sheridan Travel and Tourism (STT), “National Tourism Week is a time for communities to recognize the positive impacts of travel and tourism. This is the time to thank our visitors for their patronage, honor the employees who serve them, and show pride in our industry.” Schellinger continued, “dollars spent by our visitors ‘Embracing Our West’ strengthen Wyoming’s economy by creating jobs, supporting local businesses from gas stations to retail stores to attractions and creating greater tax revenue to support the community.”
Tourism contributes $2.2 billion annually to Wyoming’s economy from approximately 6.9 million travelers. The travel industry also provides 28,620 jobs in Wyoming generating an annual payroll of $559 million. In Sheridan County, tourism contributes $80.2 million annually to the economy and provides 1,160 jobs.
“Area Tourism Association members will celebrate this year by wearing Tourism Works for Wyoming pins and honoring our varied tourism industry partners for the outstanding jobs they perform, while going the extra mile to offer that warm and welcoming western hospitality that we in the Sheridan area are well-known for,” states Penny Becker, STT Executive Director. “We also will give away promotional items all week to our visitors as a ‘thank you’ for choosing Sheridan as their travel destination."
This celebration welcomes back the front-line summer staff to the Information Center on May 15th, kicking off the high-tourism season. We are co-located at I-90 and East 5th Street and welcome up to 190,000 visitors annually. Individuals and groups are invited to stop by the Sheridan Travel and Tourism office that week for a tourism pin and our Embrace the West postcard! You may also want to explore our tourism offerings with the assistance of our professional staff and volunteers, the exciting hands-on kiosks, and the varied state-wide literature. And be sure to view our #1 Western Town in America statuette . . .
