Reese Kutzler

We teased it, but now we're rampin' up for a big Kick-Off Concert and Pep Rally in Tailgate Park! On Friday, August 29, at 7:45 p.m. we plan on hosting the first-ever all-out party for the Wyoming Cowboys---and we want you to be there!

They do more than just hold up your britches. Belt buckles are identifiers for cowboys--trophies, awards, symbols of pride and expertise. They're qualifications. And at the Daddy of 'Em All, each cowboy has something on display.

The best variety in western footwear was seen at Cheyenne Frontier Days this year. cowboy boots, moccasins, motorcycle boots...black, brown, pink, stitched, painted, fringed, and more.

Sure, once inside the Cheyenne Frontier Days gates, you'll be greeted with Dodge Ram  trucks, the aroma of sizzling sausages and grilled peppers wafting from a nearby vendor, and cowboy gear---hats, boots, skirts, dresses. But did you overlook the fun stuff that's right outside the gates?

So far, Cheyenne Frontier Days has had a star-studded line-up for the night shows: John Mellencamp. Lady Antebellum. Carlene Carter. Clay Walker. Championship Professional Bull Riders.

If you've come to Cheyenne, you've likely already heard about the cowboy culture--a western state, Union Pacific hub, Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Daddy of 'Em All, Fort Washakie, the Wind River Reservation, and more.

Just outside Portal 11 of Frontier Park lies the Old Frontier Town. If you weren't headed toward the northern end of the grounds, then you'd likely miss it. But with the authentic western wares, games and petting zoo for children, and a chance to meet folks from the chuck wagons, you'll want to make a stop.

That one. The one with the big tongue, beady eyes, and look of despair. If I don't come home with this overstuffed dog from the ring toss game, my life might, in fact, be over. $30 and one winning ring later, I take the dog home from the carnival grounds. Victory is mine.

I knew the Indian Village was open when I heard the flutes playing. A family moved closer to the center ring to sit on the carved benches. A handful of people were chosen to participate in a performance. And others wandered in and out of the shop fronts, looking at dream catchers, pots, turquoise jewelry and other wares.

It was an idea born out of curiosity: What's it like on-stage during a headlining performance? Just so happened our crew had a GoPro camera and knew the guitarist for Jake Owen. Put the two together and it was a match made in heaven.

Now you can cross - 'Riding a Bull' - off your bucket list without putting yourself into harms way.

The Cheyenne Frontier Days general committee announced on Friday, the premier of the CINCH Rodeo Shootout on the opening day of Frontier Days, Friday July 18th, 2014.