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EXPLOREMAGZ

2018ANNUAL REPORT 5 6

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CONTENT 3 4 5 6

CEO’s Report Chairman’s Report Non-Stop Frontier Nights Despite the Rain, The “Can Do” Attitude We’ve been kicking up dust since Nights Shows were once again a 2018 was an Excellent Year is Alive and Well 1897 with non-stop rodeo action popular attraction 7 11 12 13

Recap Finance Summary Giving Back Sponsors Family Fun, Foundation, Investing Revenue and expense Every year, Cheyenne Frontier Thank you to our amazing in the Future, & Animal Care amounts summarized Days donates thousands of dollars 2018 Sponsors

2 • Cheyenne ™ Annual Report Chief Executive Officer’s Report Despite the Rain, 2018 was an Excellent Year

When it rains, it pours; and boy, did it in the Wild West Show. This is a great day rain during ™. for locals to visit Frontier Park, and arrive We experienced 10-days of rain, every ahead of the crowds. day, during the celebration. Despite the ™ weather, our crowds stayed strong. We were Cheyenne Frontier Days Merchandise hit anticipating larger crowds, but our walk up all-time highs that can only be expected was greatly affected by the rain. The weather with rain. Our hooded sweatshirts and long is a strong influence for our July ticket sales. sleeved tees flew off the racks, and by July 29 we were sold out of most everything. Despite the rain, we had our third largest paid attendance in Cheyenne Frontier This is also the first year we sold spirits in the Days™ history. We also set all-time records Buckin’ A Saloon. The addition of spirits was for merchandise, malt beverage and liquor met with great support from our consumer. sales. Being able to serve these different products positively effects our customer satisfaction. Attendance for all nine increased With the purchase of our liquor license, our from 2017, and night show attendance was plan is to serve these products in areas on up 7.8 percent. Both the Florida Georgia Line Frontier Park that we can control. and Eric Church shows ranked among our top ten night shows of all time. Eric Church’s We are excited about our new building performance ranks our sixth night show of opening in 2019, it will be a great addition all time with a sellout crowd of 22,500. It is to Cheyenne Frontier Days™ not only during important to note we implemented 22,500 our celebration, but as a great facility for as our maximum capacity two years ago the community to host events in during after the all-time crowd for Florida Georgia the entire year. More to come on this great Line was 25,011. As an organization, we feel project. exceeding an attendance of 23,000 is not optimal for the consumer. Our staff and volunteers are excited for our 2019 Celebration. We are expecting great In 2018, we held the first of our “Opening things, and with a little cooperation from Day” celebrations. Opening Day included Mother Nature we should have another discounted carnival rides, food and excellent year. beer specials, and a Wild West Show that highlighted some of the history of the Tom Hirsig “Daddy of ‘em All®”. In 2019, we plan to Chief Executive Officer expand Opening Day to include more events Cheyenne Frontier Days™

3 • Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Annual Report General Chairman’s Report The “Can Do” Attitude is Alive and Well at Cheyenne Frontier Days

In 2018, I had the opportunity to shadow, outgoing General Chairman, Bill Berg. This allowed me to witness Cheyenne Frontier Days™ volunteer force perform at the highest level. Every day was hampered with bad weather, to the point that it even delayed our rodeo. All ten days, I saw volunteers assisting our customers, vendors, and exhibitors with whatever problems mother nature threw at them.

After spending some time in the Indian Village, Carnival, Rodeo, Midway, Ticket Office, Old Frontier Town and the Old West Museum; I noticed one common theme. Customer service was our highest priority.

I attended the night shows from my season ticket seats, and I found myself observing how well our volunteers performed with an occasional quick glance at the night’s performer. I was extremely impressed how Eric Church concert appeared to be incident free.

I attended Grand Parades and Free Pancake Breakfasts; and I noted good attendance, and as in most cases, great volunteer participation. I visited the Buckin’ A on several occasions. Every time I walked in, without fail, the saloon was operating in a professional manner.

I also took the time to visit with rodeo contestants asking the tough question, “How can we improve Cheyenne Frontier Days?” Majority of the time I received the same response, “I don’t know, it’s ‘The Daddy,’ and it don’t get any better than this.”

Even with all the rain, our staff and volunteers continued to work in an outstanding fashion. The diligence and hard work resulted in one of Cheyenne Frontier Days top grossing shows.

Some areas needed some attention, and our volunteers agreed. By working as a team, any areas of improvement could be resolved. The “Can Do” attitude was alive and well in everyone involved with Cheyenne Frontier Days.

This is very much an understatement, but I am extremely excited for 2019. With changes coming this year: a new building and a new fly zone for the Thunderbirds, hold on to your hats!

Jimmy Dean Siler General Chairman Cheyenne Frontier Days™

4 • Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Annual Report NON-STOP RODEO ACTION Since 1897, Cheyenne has celebrated its Old West roots by serving up non-stop outdoor rodeo action in one of the largest outdoor arenas on earth.

Overall, rodeo attendance in 2018 topped out at 101,462. The average cost for a rodeo ticket in 2018 was $24.

Trevor Brazille Levi Rudd During the 2018 event, over 1,178 competitors from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) participated in , saddle bronc, bareback, rookie saddle bronc, , , , tie-down roping, , the famous wild-horse race, Professional Bull Riding (PBR), (CBR), junior barrel racing, and mare and colt race events. Money and prizes including trophy saddles and buckles worth nearly $1 million were awarded to contestants at the rodeo and the Championship Bull Riding/World Championship event. Brody Poppino Ruger Piva The 2018 Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Champions are:

All Around...... Trevor Brazille Steer Wrestling...... Levi Rudd Steer Roping...... Brody Poppino Bull Riding...... Ruger Piva Will Lowe Shane Hanchey ...... Will Lowe Tie-Down Roping...... Shane Hanchey Team Roper Header...... Chad Masters Team Roper Heeler...... Joseph Harrison Saddle Bronc...... Brody Cress Barrel Racing...... Chad Masters and Joseph Harrison Rookie ...... Lane Schuelke Rookie Bronc Futurity...... Smith Pro Rodeo Senior Steer Roping...... CA Lauer Wild Horse Race Champions...... Bobcat of the Rockies

Congratulations to all of these cowboys and cowgirls for a great performance Brody Cress Nellie Miller and their win at the “Daddy of ‘em All”®.

Lane Schuelke CA Lauer Bobcat of the Rockies

5 • Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Annual Report FRONTIER NIGHTS®

Night shows were once again a popular of top-notch entertainment. With ticket prices attraction with sell-out crowd of 22,500 turning to Cheyenne Frontier Nights® concert event out for Eric Church with special guest Chris averaging $55 and Professional Bull Riding/ Janson. Overall, 115,214 fans enjoyed nine nights Championship Bull Riding averaging $35.82.

July 20 – Florida Georgia Line July 21 – Cole Swindell July 22 – Band with special guest Michael Ray with Chase Rice and Morgan Evans with special guest Tracy Lawrence

July 23 – PBR CHEYENNE July 24 – CBR WORLD FINALS July 25 – Eric Church Two Day Bull Riding Event Two Day Bull Riding Event with special guest Chris Janson

July 26 – Nickelback July 27 – Toby Keith July 28 – Dierks Bentley with special guest PopEvil with Bobby & The Raging Idiots and Ned LeDoux with special guest Kip Moore

6 • Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Annual Report ™ CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS FRONTIER CHEYENNE

FAMILY FUN Daily rodeo action is complimented by the Behind The three free pancake breakfasts and four the Chutes tours. A Native American Indian Western heritage parades continue to be popular Village, the Old Frontier Town, the Buckin’ A attractions for visitors to Cheyenne Frontier Saloon, the chuck wagon cook-off, the pancake Days™ again this year. The three pancake breakfasts, and the Western Art Show to round breakfasts fed over 23,138 people and the four out the celebration. parades continued to attract large crowds.

More than 47,611 visitors to the 2018 event The Behind the Chutes tour gave 2,608 fans an experienced the colorful atmosphere of the Indian opportunity to get up close and personal with Village as they moved their feet to the rhythm rodeo operations. Rides, games, music, food, of the ceremonial drum. The Indian Village friends and fun highlight the Carnival Midway remains a popular destination for our visitors on Frontier Park. The Carnival Midway provides and continues to recognize the Native American a great time for the entire family, and saw gate Indian as a good friend and an important part of admissions top over 30,979 visitors for the 2018 the Wild West experience. event.

7 • Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Annual Report ™

CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS FRONTIER CHEYENNE THE FOUNDATION The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Foundation, Inc., donation of 27 acres of land which will be was established in 2015 to support the charitable developed as a Park-n-Ride lot during the annual and educational aspects of Cheyenne Frontier CFD celebration. The Foundation also received Days™. The Foundation is recognized as a 501(c) a large cash donation from a long-time CFD (3) charity by the Internal Revenue Service. As volunteer, fan and booster. In addition, another such, donations to the Foundation are eligible long-time volunteer donated a mobility scooter for a charitable deduction up to the limits of the to the Foundation, which was in turn donated law. In addition to supporting current Cheyenne to Cheyenne Frontier Days™ to be used by the Frontier Days™ activities, the long-term goal of Tickets Committee to help seat people with the Foundation is to build up assets in order to disabilities. provide for the financial stability of Cheyenne Frontier Days. The Foundation has a Board of The Foundation is able to receive cash donations Directors currently consisting of eleven voting as well as donations of real estate and other types members. In addition, the General Chairman of of property. All gifts, whether large or small, are Cheyenne Frontier Days™ is an ex-officio member important in helping the Foundation reach its of the Board. Board members are appointed for long-term goal. For those who are interested, the three-year terms, and each person can serve a Foundation can assist you and your advisors with maximum of two consecutive terms. structuring a donation for your maximum tax and financial advantage. For more information, In 2018 the Foundation received a generous please contact [email protected].

8 • Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Annual Report ™ CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS FRONTIER CHEYENNE INVESTING IN THE FUTURE Cheyenne Frontier Days™ announced plans to build infrastructure and creation of state-of-the art a new multi-purpose building on Frontier Park facilities as key priorities. in 2018. The ground breaking took place in early ™ August 2018. This building will house space for the The Cheyenne Frontier Days organization has General Committee, Headquarters Staff, increase outgrown existing volunteer meeting space, meeting space for Volunteers and contain a rentable staff space, sponsor areas and hospitality space. Conference Center. Breaking ground on the multi-purpose building represents progress for volunteers, staff, sponsors In 2015, CFD conducted a Master Land Use Plan and embraces the future-focused themes in the study that mapped future construction plans and Cheyenne Frontier Days Master Land Use Plan and space allocation on Frontier Park to maximize Trail Guide to the Future. park layout and available space. This jump-started thinking for the vision of the future for Frontier A year-round, rentable conference facility provides Park. space to increase opportunities for sponsor and community hospitality that will yield a revenue In 2017, CFD completed the Trail Guide to the Future. stream to offset future projects. This supports This document identified volunteer satisfaction, the Cheyenne Frontier Days mission to promote continuation of community partnerships, economic vitality to our city and this facility allows relationships with sponsors, maximizing us to host events on park that we have not been able development of Frontier Park, upgrading park to accommodate in the past.

9 • Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Annual Report ™ CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS FRONTIER CHEYENNE

ANIMAL CARE Cheyenne Frontier Days™ does not tolerate animal abuse or neglect. We care about all our athletes equally, whether they are two-legged or four-legged. We take any accusations of animal abuse very seriously, and we are committed to protecting the welfare of our participants, our animals, and our fans.

Cheyenne Frontier Days™ follows strict Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) animal care guidelines, as well as state and local laws on animal care and treatment. Any violation of those guidelines will be immediately reported to the proper authorities.

10 • Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Annual Report Cheyenne Frontier DaysTM, Inc. SUMMARYSummary of Finances OF FINANCES

Other 4% Merchandise 2018 Revenues 9%

Admissions 54%$ 8,308,800.00 Carnival/Concessions 16%$ 2,415,808.00 Admissions 54% Sponsorships 15%$ 2,256,189.00 Sponsorships 14% Merchandise 9%$ 1,410,722.00 Parking 2%$ 373,387.00 Other 5%$ 730,070.00

Total 2018 Revenues $ 15,494,976.00 Parking 2%

Carnival/ Concessions 14%

2018 Expenses Repairs & Maintenance 2% Depreciation 5% Contracted Services 33%$ 4,794,205.00 Taxes & Fees 5% Other 5% Rodeo 7%$ 974,653.00 Contracted Services 33% Rent & Utilities 8%$ 1,209,908.00 Investment Expense/Loss 3% Volunteer, Donor & Sponsor Recognition 3%$ 410,095.00 Contributions 1%$ 160,165.00 Administration 14%$ 2,107,470.00 Marketing 6%$ 877,431.00 Cost of Goods Sold Cost of Goods Sold 8%$ 1,153,690.00 8% Investment Expenses/Loss 3%$ 398,363.00 Depreciation 5%$ 680,221.00 Marketing 6% Repairs & Maintenance 2%$ 249,212.00 Rodeo 7% Taxes & Fees 6%$ 809,047.00 Other 5%$ 715,280.00 Total 2018 Expenses $ 14,539,740.00 Rent & Utilities 8% Administration 15% Volunteer, Donor & Contributions 1% Sponsor Recognition

2018 Change in Net Assets $ 955,236.00

* Cheyenne Frontier Days is committed to the community of Cheyenne, and the continuous improvement of the facilities at Frontier Park. In addition to the operating * expensesCheyenne above, Frontier in 2018, theDays™ Organization is committed invested $860,000 to the communityin equipment & capitalof Cheyenne, improvements and at Frothentier continuous Park. The Organization improvement also has of $3.4 million in theConstruction facilities in atProgress Frontier at the Park. end of In2018. addition As part ofto it's the strategic operating plan, the expenses Organization above, designa intes 2018,a percentage the Organization of each year's income invested to be used in future years $860,000for capital improvements,in equipment as well & capitalas reserves improvements to ensure the ongoing at Frontier operations Park. of the TheOrganization. Organization also has $3.4 million in Construction in Progress at the end of 2018. As part of it’s strategic plan, the Organization designates a percentage of each year’s income to be used in future years for capital improvements, as well as reserves to ensure the ongoing operations of the Organization.

11 • Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Annual Report GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY

Every year, Cheyenne Frontier Days™ donates thousands of dollars to local and regional non-profit organizations and programs that support the sport of rodeo. In 2018 Cheyenne Frontier Days™ contributed over $160,165 to local and regional charities and rodeo programs such as:

UW Horse Judging Team - Program Sponsor FFA Foundation Chris LeDoux Foundation Greater Cheyenne Chamber Cowboys with a Mission-Rodeo Bible Camp Special Olympics of Wyoming Big Brothers Big Sisters Cheyenne Animal Shelter Cheyenne Central Cheerleaders JR Verzain Benefit Friends of the 133rd Laramie County Fair CE Booster Club LCCC Rodeo Team Torrington Elks Little Britches Rodeo UW Rodeo Team National Circuit Finals Steer Roping Capital City Canine Search & Rescue PRCA Mountain States Circuit Finals Arc of Laramie County Wyoming State Championship High School Rodeo Cheyenne Animal Shelter Ote Berry’s Junior Steer Wrestling World Championship COMEA Shelter - Family Dorm Improvement Discover Cheyenne Splash Pad Cheyenne Extreme Miss Rodeo Wyoming Sponsorship Magic City Enterprises Riata Ranch International Meals on Wheels United Way of Laramie County Needs, Inc. College PRCA Mountain States Circuit Finals Salvation Army CFD Old West Museum Thankful Thursday CFD Volunteer Crisis Fund Warren Top 3 CFD Memorial Scholarship Fund

Donated tickets were given to various charitable organizations including: Black Dog Animal Rescue, Boys and Girls Club, Cheyenne Animal Shelter, Chris LeDoux Foundation, Grace for 2 Brothers and various schools within Laramie County School Districts and schools throughout the nation as well as many others.

The facilities were used at no cost by numerous civic and community organizations including: The Trotters, UP Golden Spike Riders and Laramie Co. 4-H drill teams for practice, Cheyenne Police Dept., City of Cheyenne (Superday), Cheyenne area schools, State of Wyoming agencies, the WY Air National Guard and many others.

In addition to donations made by Cheyenne Frontier Days™, Inc., Cheyenne Frontier Days™ is affiliated with two 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations that support volunteers and their families with scholarships and a helping hand in time of crisis in addition to donations made. In 2018 these two programs contributed:

PROGRAM # OF RECIPIENTS AMOUNT Scholarship Fund 59 recipients $60,700 Volunteer Crisis Fund 5 recipients $21,221

12 • Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Annual Report THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR

BRONZE ARROWHEAD

An Affiliate of UCHealth

GOLD BOOT

CHUTE 9

SILVER BOOT

13 • Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Annual Report