Julia Conte
Staff Writer
Sherdian’s second ever Winter Rodeo, hosted in mid-February, was expected to bring in a crowd of 10,000 people. The festivities took place Feb. 14, 16, 21, 22 and 23, Where it ranged from concerts to competitive winter sports and recreational activities.
Last year’s event was a massive success, gathering about 6,000 people which allowed businesses to set revenue records during a time of year in which the town’s tourism is especially slow. Due to the success of last winter’s rodeo, the town decided to host it again, making many improvements, including a second day of festivities.
There was something for everyone last weekend, including equestrian, ranching and skiing activities. An entire day of skijoring (a winter sport in which someone is pulled by skis over snow or ice by a horse, dogs or a vehicle along an obstacle course with jumps and other obstructions) was scheduled, more vendors were hired, a family sledding day was added, two Sheridan Hawks hockey games took place and fat bike and nordic ski races were held.
Outdoor activities and recreation can be key components in terms of understanding the people of Wyoming. Tavee Meisinger, a barrel racer for the University of Wyoming Rodeo Team, said rodeo was important to her.
“It’s taught me so much responsibility… Early mornings and late nights, riding in the wind and snow… It’s hard work,” said Meisinger.
The barrel racer expressed that she is passionate about the sport for a number of reasons, and that being involved in rodeo is essential to Wyoming’s culture because it provides its members with a strong work ethic, lasting relationships and lots of respect.
“The sport of rodeo is tightly woven into the fabric of every Wyoming community. In Wyoming, rodeo is a sport that enables rodeo athletes to earn college scholarships where they represent their college, they learn how to work on a team, [and] they are held accountable for high standards,” said Beau Clarke, Head Coach of the University of Wyoming’s Rodeo Team.
This recent rodeo in Sheridan provided people from all over the Rocky Mountain region with an opportunity to get outside, be active and appreciate the winter season by involving themselves in community-wide festivities.
The event was meant to boost morale throughout the town, and get people enthusiastic about their culture and environment. The event was also meant to boost tourism in the town. Last year’s event did wonders in regards to the economic impact it had on the town.
The second day added to the event provided businesses an opportunity to rake in more profit than the previous year, considering the amount of tourists that would need accommodations such as food and housing.
“Rodeo brings fans and contestants to the community. For example, Cheyenne Frontier Days has a 28 million dollar impact on the Cheyenne community each year. Even a smaller rodeo that brings 1,500-2,000 people into a community feels the impact of the money spent in businesses, hotels, gas stations and restaurants… Even when Laramie is not hosting the rodeo, we are impacted by people traveling through,” Clarke said.
This second ever Winter Rodeo held in Sheridan allowed people to embrace their culture and get excited about their environments, delving themselves in the community and celebrating something they are passionate about.
