Rodeo is the official sport of Wyoming, and Buffalo and Kaycee rodeos are the best throughout the summer! When these local rodeo events take place in Johnson County, they take place over the summer. from June through early September at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Buffalo and Harold Jarrard Park in Kaycee. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a first-time spectator, there’s no shortage of excitement at these local rodeos near Buffalo and Kaycee.
Top Buffalo & Kaycee Wyoming Rodeos to Experience This Year
A cowboy takes in the excitement of the Johnson County Rodeo, where the spirit of the West comes alive. (Wyoming Office of Tourism)
Whether you’re a longtime rodeo fan or a first-time visitor, Johnson County rodeos offer high-energy action with skilled performances by local cowboys and cowgirls, many of whom work on nearby ranches. From thrilling rodeos this weekend to major summer events, there’s something for everyone.
Some of the must-see rodeos include:
Chris LeDoux Days (June in Kaycee) – A high-stakes competition honoring the rodeo world champion and country music legend.
Longmire Days Rodeo (July in Buffalo) – A crowd-favorite event kicking off the Longmire Days celebration.
Johnson County Cowgirls Rodeo Series – A development series featuring future rodeo stars.
Kaycee Friday Night Rodeos – A lively community rodeo held twice a month.
Johnson County Fair & Rodeo – A historic tradition dating back to the late 1800s.
With events spanning from spring through summer, Buffalo and Kaycee rodeos showcase some of the best talent in the region, making Johnson County a top destination for rodeo enthusiasts.
Annual Rodeo Events in Buffalo & Kaycee
Spectators in cowboy hats fill the Jarrard Park grandstands at Chris LeDoux Days in Kaycee, Wyoming, embracing the Western spirit at the local rodeo event. (Wyoming Office of Tourism)
Each year, Buffalo and Kaycee, Wyoming, host a series of thrilling rodeo events that showcase top competitors and local talent. From high-energy bull riding to classic saddle bronc and barrel racing, these Johnson County rodeos are a must-see for fans and visitors alike.
Lee Martinez Xtreme Bulls
Kicking off the rodeo season in May, this adrenaline-pumping bull riding event at the Johnson County Fairgrounds is part of the PRCA Xtreme Bulls tour. Spectators can watch some of the best riders take on some of the toughest bulls in the region.
Chris LeDoux Days
Held every June in Kaycee, this is the largest signature rodeo event that honors world champion cowboy and country music legend Chris LeDoux. It features bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and barrel racing, along with special performances and a lively street dance in downtown Kaycee.
Beyond the rodeo action, visitors can enjoy a street dance with live music on Nolan Avenue, where multiple artists take the stage, creating a lively small-town festival atmosphere.
2025 will be the final Chris LeDoux Days event.
RANGE WAR Rodeo
Starting in 2025, the Range War Rodeo will be a Thursday night series with one event each month in June, July, and August. Their July event will take place on the first day of the Longmire Days festival. This rodeo at the Johnson County Fairgrounds includes team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, calf roping, steer riding, mutton busting, bareback riding, saddle bronc, and bull riding. Fans may even catch appearances from Longmire TV show cast members during the July event.
Johnson County Fair & Rodeo
As Wyoming’s first county fair, the Johnson County Fair & Rodeo has a long tradition of celebrating Western heritage. This weeklong summer event brings together thrilling rodeo action, family-friendly festivities, and community spirit.
The rodeo features multiple days of barrel racing, pole bending, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, bareback riding, saddle bronc, and bull riding. Beyond the arena, visitors can enjoy a downtown parade, live music, and local fair attractions, making it a must-visit summer event in Buffalo, Wyoming.
Ongoing Rodeo Series in Johnson County
A cowgirl showcases her roping skills at the 2023 Chris LeDoux Days rodeo in Kaycee, Wyoming. (Wyoming Office of Tourism)
Along with major annual events, Johnson County rodeos offer exciting competitions throughout the summer, where local cowboys and rising stars compete in classic rodeo events.
County Cowgirls Rodeo Series
Held weekly on Tuesday nights from June to mid-July, the Johnson County Cowgirls Rodeo Series is a must-see event for rodeo fans and families. Taking place at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Buffalo, this exciting series showcases local cowgirls and young rodeo talent in a fun yet competitive atmosphere.
Despite the name, the Cowgirls Rodeo welcomes a mix of adult women competitors and junior riders, making it a key development event for rising rodeo stars. Spectators can watch barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, calf breakaway, steer breakaway, and team roping, with divisions ranging from pee-wees to seasoned competitors.
As a lead-up to Longmire Days and the Johnson County Fair & Rodeo, this series offers a great opportunity to experience authentic Wyoming rodeo culture in a relaxed, local setting.
Kaycee Night Rodeos
In Harold Jarrard Park in Kaycee, Kaycee Night Rodeos take place twice a month from June through August, culminating in an exciting season finale in September.
These rodeos feature barrel racing, bareback riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding, showcasing both local talent and seasoned rodeo competitors. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time spectator, this classic Western event offers thrilling action in a small-town setting.
In Buffalo, Wyoming, this historic main arena features a stately, covered wooden grandstand, along with a small arena and exhibit space buildings. The historic Johnson County Fairgrounds hosts premier rodeo events throughout the year, including the renowned Longmire Days Rodeo and the annual Johnson County Fair & Rodeo.
The park features a covered grandstand and additional seating, offering a great view of the action during bull riding, saddle bronc, and team roping competitions. Whether you’re experiencing a high-energy rodeo or attending a community event, this venue provides an authentic Western experience.
Harold Jarrard Park, named after Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Famer Harold Jarrard, is a historic rodeo venue in Kaycee, Wyoming. This multipurpose arena hosts Kaycee Night Rodeos and the iconic Chris LeDoux Days, drawing rodeo fans, locals, and visitors alike.
A detailed look at the leatherwork of a cowboy’s saddle, essential for Wyoming rodeo events.
Bareback Riding
Buffalo’s own Cole Reiner delivers a powerful bareback ride at the New Mexico State Fair, showcasing his grit and talent in the arena. He wore the JCTA’s Buffalo tourism logo on his competition vest during the 2024 rodeo season on his way to a fifth consecutive National Finals Rodeo appearance.
Bareback riding requires cowboys to grip a leather rigging with one hand while staying on a bucking horse for 8 seconds. To avoid disqualification, riders must keep both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders as it leaves the chute, a technique known as “marking out.”
As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs along the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, he straightens his legs and resets for the next jump. Considered one of the most challenging rodeo events, bareback riding often leads to significant injuries and long-term physical strain on competitors.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Harry Davis competes in a Saddle Bronc Riding event on Wildcat at the Buffalo Rodeo, showcasing the skill and balance required for this classic rodeo sport. (Photo from Johnson County Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum)
Saddle bronc riding, a classic rodeo event, originated in the Old West when cowboys trained horses for ranch work. In competition, riders use one hand to grip a rein attached to the horse’s halter while staying in sync with the bronc’s movements for 8 seconds to earn points.
To avoid disqualification, riders must keep both heels above the horse’s shoulders as it leaves the chute, a rule known as “marking out.” They cannot touch the horse with their free hand, lose a stirrup, drop the rein, or get bucked off before time expires.
Bull Riding
Roy Cox takes on a Brahma steer in a thrilling moment of bull riding at the Buffalo Rodeo, a testament to the rich history of Wyoming rodeo. (Photo from Johnson County Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum)
Bull riding challenges cowboys to stay on a 1,000+ pound bull for 8 seconds using only one hand while the other remains free. A flat braided rope is wrapped around the bull’s neck, giving the rider a single grip to maintain balance.
Judges score each ride based on body position, control, and the cowboy’s ability to match the bull’s movements. Four judges evaluate the performance, with 50% of the score based on the rider and 50% on the bull’s difficulty. Riders are disqualified if they touch the bull, themselves, or their equipment with their free hand or fail to stay on for the full time.
Timed Events
Waiting for the action—cowboy boots rest on the grandstands as spectators take in the rodeo excitement in Johnson County, Wyoming.
Steer Wrestling (Bulldogging)
Eddie Crumpton showcases his skill in steer wrestling (bulldogging) at the Buffalo Rodeo, a thrilling rodeo event that remains a fan favorite. (Photo from Johnson County Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum)
Steer wrestling is a timed event that requires strength, precision, and technique. The competitor, known as a bulldogger, starts on horseback behind a barrier, allowing the steer a head start. Leaving too early results in a 10-second penalty for “breaking the barrier.” A hazer, another rider, keeps the steer running straight.
Once the bulldogger’s horse catches up, the cowboy leaps from the saddle, grabs the steer by the horns, and digs his heels into the dirt to slow it down. He then turns the steer, lifts its right horn, and pushes down with his left hand to tip the animal over. To stop the clock, the steer must be on its side with all four legs facing the same direction. Failure to stop or properly control the steer before the throw leads to disqualification.
Team Roping
The only team event in professional rodeo, team roping requires precise coordination between two cowboys—the header and the heeler—and their horses. The event begins with the steer getting a head start before the riders take off in pursuit.
The header ropes the steer around the horns, one horn, or the neck, then turns the steer to position its hind legs for the heeler. The heeler’s goal is to rope both back legs, stopping the clock once the ropes are tight and the horses face each other.
A 10-second penalty is given if the team starts too early, and a 5-second penalty applies if the heeler only catches one leg.
Tie-Down Roping
Roy Cox competes in tie-down roping at the Buffalo Rodeo, demonstrating speed and precision as he ropes a calf in front of an excited crowd. (Photo from Johnson County Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum)
Tie-down roping tests the speed, skill, and precision of both horse and rider. The calf gets a head start, and the cowboy chases it down, roping it around the neck. If the cowboy leaves too early, he receives a 10-second penalty.
Once roped, the horse stops to hold the calf while the cowboy dismounts, flips the calf on its side, and ties three legs together using a piggin’ string carried in his teeth. After completing the tie, he throws his hands in the air to signal the judges, then remounts and allows the rope to slacken.
If the calf kicks loose within 6 seconds, the contestant is disqualified.
Barrel Racing
Speed and precision come together in barrel racing at Johnson County Rodeo events.
Barrel racing is a fast-paced, timed event where a cowgirl and her horse enter the arena at full speed, triggering an electronic timer. They maneuver through a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels before sprinting to the finish, stopping the clock as they exit.
Riders can touch or move a barrel without penalty, but knocking one over adds 5 seconds to their time. The competitor with the fastest clean run wins.
Breakaway Roping
Breakaway roping demands precision and speed, making it one of the most exciting events in Wyoming rodeos.
Breakaway roping is a fast-paced event similar to tie-down roping, but instead of tying the calf, the rider’s rope is secured to a barrier that “breaks away” once the calf gets a head start. As soon as the barrier releases, the rider takes off in pursuit.
To make a legal catch, the rider must rope the calf with a bell-collar catch—looping the rope over the calf’s head without entangling its legs. The event is judged purely on speed, and time penalties apply for breaking the barrier or failing to make a clean catch.
Primarily performed by cowgirls, breakaway roping showcases precision, timing, and horsemanship.
Specialty Events
Pole Bending
Pole bending tests the agility of both horse and rider in this fast-paced Buffalo, Wyoming rodeo event.
A popular timed event in the Johnson County Cowgirls series, pole bending tests a rider’s speed and agility. The horse and rider weave through a series of six poles in a straight line, making tight turns while racing against the clock.
Mutton Busting
A young rider’s boot and spur at the Wyoming Junior Rodeo Finals, showcasing the spirit of youth rodeo events like Mutton Busting and barrel racing in Johnson County!
A kid-friendly version of bull or bronc riding, mutton busting introduces young riders to rough stock events. Children try to hold on to a running sheep for as long as possible, making for a fun and exciting competition.
Goat Tying
Future rodeo stars sharpen their skills in goat tying, a crowd-favorite event in Wyoming rodeos.
Designed to introduce young riders to timed rodeo events, goat tying requires a contestant to ride to a tethered goat, dismount, catch, throw, and tie three legs together. The goat must remain tied for 6 seconds after the contestant backs away.
A no-score is given if the goat becomes untied too soon. Disqualification can occur for excessive roughness, touching the goat after the tie, or allowing the contestant’s horse to interfere with the goat or tether.
Wyoming Rodeo Traditions & Culture
Behind the scenes at a Wyoming rodeo, where cowboy traditions and the culture of rodeo events in Johnson County come to life.
In Johnson County, Wyoming, rodeo is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life that celebrates Western heritage and cowboy traditions. Whether you’re attending a local rodeo or a major event like Chris LeDoux Days, dressing the part enhances the experience—so grab your cowboy boots, hat, and jeans to fit right in.
Beyond competition, community rodeo programs help young riders develop their skills, ensuring that Wyoming’s cowboy culture is passed down through generations. Locals and visitors alike gather for parades, live music, and post-rodeo celebrations, making rodeo events a true Western experience in Johnson County.
Notable Riders and Rodeos
Norris Graves
Norris Graves, a true Wyoming cowboy, pictured alongside his horse, showcasing the timeless spirit of rodeo and ranching in the American West.
A Wyoming rodeo legend, Norris Graves, was inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2015. Born in Laramie in 1920, his family later settled on the Red Fork Ranch west of Kaycee.
Graves entered his first rodeo at age 14, winning bareback riding and placing second in saddle bronc. Though he never joined the professional rodeo circuit due to family responsibilities during the Great Depression, he became a dominant competitor in local rodeos across Buffalo, Kaycee, Sheridan, Gillette, and Casper.
In addition to saddle bronc riding, Graves competed in team roping, calf roping, and bareback riding. He even hosted a rodeo at his ranch, complete with a picnic and a wooden dance floor, creating a true Western gathering.
Although he stepped away from competing to focus on ranching, Graves passed his love of rodeo to the next generation. His son, Kenneth Graves, became a talented saddle bronc rider, while his grandsons, Deke and Craig Latham, went on to compete in the National Finals Rodeo. He also mentored many young cowboys, ensuring his legacy lived on in Wyoming rodeo.
John P. Gammon
Buffalo native John P. Gammon made his mark in both rodeo and horse racing. Raised on the Gammon Ranch, now part of the historic TA Ranch, he developed strong riding skills from an early age.
As a junior high and high school student, Gammon trained and rode racehorses for Ralph Robinson, securing multiple victories. In rodeo, he specialized in saddle bronc and bull riding, later earning a spot on the University of Wyoming’s first rodeo team. In 1949, he competed in the very first College National Finals Rodeo at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, where UW placed third.
In 2024, Gammon was inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in Wyoming rodeo history.
Ralph Buell
The Buell family has deep roots in Johnson County, producing one of the top professional rodeo cowboys of the 1950s and ’60s. Ralph Buell was among the world’s top 15 bareback riders eight times during his career, which spanned from 1952 to 1968.
Buell competed in the first four National Finals Rodeos (1959–1962) and won the 1962 world championship at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. That same year, he claimed victory at Cheyenne Frontier Days, earning $16,720 in season winnings. He returned to the NFR one last time in 1964.
Throughout his career, Buell also won titles at major rodeos, including the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and the Pendleton Round-Up in Oregon. He was later inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Museum Hall of Fame.
Born in 1930, Buell grew up on the family ranch near Buffalo with five brothers and two sisters. He won his first rodeo in 1949 and went on to become a Wyoming rodeo legend before passing in 2014.
Chris LeDoux
Chris LeDoux, a Wyoming rodeo legend and country music icon, captured the spirit of the West with his talent in both the arena and on stage.
A rodeo and country music legend, Chris LeDoux was born in Mississippi but found his way to Wyoming when his family moved there during his youth. He entered his first rodeo at age 13 and quickly developed a passion for bareback riding.
LeDoux won the Wyoming State Rodeo Championship in bareback riding twice while attending Cheyenne Central High School. He later became a college champion in 1969 while at Sheridan College. In 1970, he joined the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and began writing songs while traveling the rodeo circuit.
In 1971, LeDoux produced his first album, Songs of Rodeo Life, launching what would become a legendary music career. Meanwhile, his rodeo success continued, winning bareback riding titles at:
Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo (1971)
Ogden (Utah) Pioneer Days Rodeo (1973)
Deadwood (S.D.) Days of ’76 Rodeo (1974)
Black Hills Roundup, Belle Fourche (S.D.) (1975)
LeDoux’s biggest rodeo achievement came in 1976 when he won the bareback riding championship at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Oklahoma City. It was one of five trips he made to the NFR before retiring from competition in the 1980s.
Settling on a ranch near Kaycee, he focused on his music career, self-releasing 22 albums before signing with Capitol Records in the late 1980s. His 1992 album, Whatcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy, became a top-10 hit, with the title track—a duet with Garth Brooks—also reaching the top 10.
In 2000, LeDoux was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, leading to a liver transplant. Despite his health challenges, he released two more albums before being diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. He passed away on March 9, 2005, at age 56.
Honors & Legacy
LeDoux’s impact on rodeo and country music earned him numerous honors, including:
ProRodeo Hall of Fame (2005, for both rodeo and music contributions)
Rodeo Hall of Fame
Wyoming Sports Hall of Fame
Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame
Academy of Country Music Pioneer Award (2005)
Country Music Awards Award of Merit (2005)
Beyond music and rodeo, LeDoux was an award-winning bronze sculptor. His legacy is honored through sculptures at Chris LeDoux Park in Kaycee and Frontier Park in Cheyenne.
John Robert “Cub” Forbes & Sons
John Robert “Cub” Forbes, a Wyoming rodeo legend and five-time NFR qualifier, played a key role in shaping the rodeo scene in Johnson County.
Raised on a ranch in Barnum, west of Kaycee, John Robert “Cub” Forbes was a five-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier in saddle bronc riding.
Born in 1950, he got his first horse at age 4 and went on to become the Wyoming high school state champion in saddle bronc riding in 1968. The following year, he was named Rodeo Cowboys Association Rookie of the Year. Forbes later won the Mountain States Circuit Finals three times (1975, 1976, and 1978). His best NFR finish was fifth in 1975, though he also competed in 1973, 1976, 1977, and 1978, continuing his career through the 1980s.
Forbes and his brother Emory helped grow rodeo in the area by hosting bronc riding schools and founding the Kaycee Night Rodeo series. He was later inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame.
The Forbes family continues its rodeo legacy by breeding bucking stock, including a filly that competed at the 2013 NFR. His sons, Sandy Bob Forbes and Morgan “Mo” Forbes, both won Wyoming high school state championships in saddle bronc riding, advanced to the Mountain States Circuit Finals, and competed professionally. Morgan won Rookie of the Year, while Sandy Bob was a PRCA competitor from 1999 to 2013 and coached college rodeo athletes.
Deke Latham
Growing up in Kaycee, Deke Latham became a college rodeo champion while attending Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma. He won the Intercollegiate Central Plains Regional All-Around Cowboy award and went on to capture College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) titles in bull riding, reserve saddle bronc, and all-around cowboy in June 1986.
Later that year, he qualified for the National Finals Rodeo, rising from 14th to 5th place in the PRCA world standings. Tragically, Latham passed away at age 21 in a car accident near his home in Kaycee in December 1986.
Craig Latham
Rodeo great Craig Latham, a nine-time NFR qualifier and longtime rodeo coach, left a lasting legacy in the world of saddle bronc riding.
Deke’s younger brother, Craig Latham, became a nine-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in saddle bronc riding.
Raised in Kaycee, Craig first attended Eastern Wyoming College before transferring to Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where he won the 1988 College National Finals Rodeo saddle bronc riding title.
Craig joined the PRCA in 1987, qualifying for the NFR in 1989 and 1990, then seven consecutive years from 1992 to 1998. He finished in the top five of the PRCA world standings six times, with his best result being second place in 1993.
After his rodeo career, Latham became the head coach at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in 2002, leading the men’s team to two national championships before stepping down in 2015.
Latham passed away on October 8, 2021, at age 54, after a battle with multiple myeloma cancer.
Larry Sandvick
Larry Sandvick, a celebrated bareback rider and longtime rodeo competitor, has left a lasting impact on the sport with his skill and dedication.
A North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee, Larry Sandvick has lived in Kaycee for the past 20 years, where he owns Wildman Riggins, a leather business specializing in rodeo gear. He also patented an innovative bareback rigging designed to improve performance for both horses and riders.
Sandvick started competing in youth rodeos at age 5, later attending Casper College before turning pro in 1989.
He qualified for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) 12 times, first in 1992, when he finished fourth in the world standings.
Chet Johnson
Chet Johnson, a Wyoming native and accomplished PRCA saddle bronc rider, has represented the state in top rodeo competitions across the country.
A saddle bronc rider, Chet Johnson grew up in Wyoming before settling in Buffalo.
While attending Niobrara County High School in Lusk, he won the Wyoming state saddle bronc title in 1999 and twice qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo. He went on to Sheridan College, where he qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in 2001.
On the PRCA circuit, Johnson qualified for the National Finals Rodeo four times (2005, 2007, 2008, and 2013).
Now in his 40s, he remains active in the sport, competing as recently as the summer of 2024 at Chris LeDoux Days in Kaycee.
Cole Reiner
Wyoming native and NFR qualifier Cole Reiner proudly represents his home state as a top competitor in professional bareback riding.
A Buffalo High School graduate, Cole Reiner is currently competing on the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit and is a five-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier.
Turning pro in 2020, Reiner has qualified for the NFR in Las Vegas every year since. He finished fifth in the world standings in 2020, earning PRCA Bareback Riding Rookie of the Year honors. He placed seventh in the world from 2021 to 2023.
Among his notable victories, he won titles at:
Sheridan WYO Rodeo (2022, 2023)
Cody Stampede (2022)
Cheyenne Frontier Days (2023, tied for first)
Future Stars in Johnson County
Johnson County continues to produce top rodeo athletes, including NFR qualifiers Chet Johnson and Cole Reiner. Other rising stars currently on the PRCA circuit include Ethan Mazurenko (bareback), Clay Reiner (steer wrestling, tie-down roping), and Ian McGivney (saddle bronc).
Wyoming Rodeo Frequently Asked Questions
When is rodeo season in Johnson County, WY?
Rodeo season in Johnson County, Wyoming, runs from June through early September, featuring weekly and annual rodeo events. Major competitions like Chris LeDoux Days (June), Longmire Days Rodeo (July), and the Johnson County Fair & Rodeo (August) attract both local competitors and top riders from across the region. The Kaycee Night Rodeo Series and the Johnson County Cowgirls Rodeo Series also provide recurring rodeo action throughout the summer.
How long does a typical rodeo last?
Most Wyoming rodeos last between two to three hours, depending on the number of events and competitors. Larger events, like the Johnson County Fair & Rodeo, may include multiple days of competitions, parades, and live music.
What should I wear to a Wyoming rodeo?
Cowboy hats and boots are not required, but they’re a fun way to embrace Western culture. Jeans and boots are practical since rodeo arenas can be dusty, and even bleachers may get dirty.
Cowboy Hats – From the vintage Gambler to the classic Cattleman, there’s no better place to sport a cowboy hat than at a rodeo. Cowboy Boots – Whether Western-style, English riding boots, or something flashier, many rodeo-goers match their boots to their favorite riders. Jeans – A staple for cowboys and cowgirls alike, denim is always a solid choice. Prefer a denim jacket or shirt instead? That works, too. Dress Shirts – For some, rodeo nights are a dress-up occasion, making button-up or snap-up collared shirts a great choice. Casual Sundresses – Perfect for staying cool in the summer, sundresses pair well with cowboy boots for a stylish rodeo look. Other Essentials – Since rodeos are warm-weather events, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and an umbrella for shade or rain. Attending an evening rodeo? Pack a jacket in case it gets chilly after sunset.
Are there any local rodeo traditions I should know about?
Rodeo is deeply woven into Johnson County’s Western culture, with many competitors coming from local ranches. One long-standing tradition is Chris LeDoux Days in Kaycee, celebrating the legendary rodeo champion and country music star. The Johnson County Fair & Rodeo, Wyoming’s oldest county fair, has been held since 1885, featuring parades, live music, and multiple rodeo events. Visitors are encouraged to cheer loudly, dress in Western, and embrace the community spirit that makes Wyoming rodeos unique.
