We are sad to report that the 2020 Sheridan WYO Rodeo has been canceled

For the love of the west.

Founded in 1931, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo is one of the top rodeo events in the U.S. Some folks call it Sheridan’s homecoming – when locals and visitors from across the globe gather year after year to celebrate the west and experience some of the best rodeo action in the world. Western style family fun runs throughout rodeo week, including the Boot Kick-off, downtown pancake breakfast, high-speed bed races, Sneakers & Spurs 5K, Main Street Parade, POW-WOW, carnival, street dances and much, much more!

2020 Announcement

It is with a heavy heart that the Sheridan WYO Rodeo must announce the cancellation of our 2020 celebration of the west. Since early April, the WYO has been working closely with a statewide coalition including individual rodeo committees, professional rodeo leaders, the Wyoming Office of Tourism, and the Governor’s office. We are grateful to Governor Mark Gordon and our colleagues from Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous, Cody Stampede, Central Wyoming Fair & PRCA Rodeo in Casper, Laramie Jubilee Days, and Cheyenne Frontier Days for working so closely with us to make this unified decision. Every possible option was considered.

We came to the conclusion that it would be far too risky for our friends and neighbors to move forward this summer. This decision was not easily made. We understand the economic impact the WYO Rodeo has on our community. But we could not ignore the potential for serious health consequences or, equally as damaging, reversing the progress we’ve made in reopening local businesses.

As many long-time fans and supporters know, large crowds involving significant close contact between thousands of people over many days gather to participate in the WYO rodeo, boot kick-off, parade, carnival, and Pow Wow. While the rodeo board considered cutting events to reduce exposure, they felt this would negatively affect the quality of experience the community has spent decades building.

We want to thank the many people, groups and organizations who help to produce the rodeo and related events throughout Rodeo Week. Community businesses, rodeo fans, sponsors, WYO Rodeo Wranglers, Gold Buckle Club, Sheridan WYO Posse, WYO Rodeo Royalty, volunteers, contestants, contract personnel, vendors, city and state officials and multiple civic groups all take part in making the Sheridan WYO Rodeo happen. We couldn’t do this without you – and we’re looking forward to making the 2021 Sheridan WYO Rodeo the best yet.

The WYO Rodeo board is working on alternative ways to celebrate rodeo this summer, including possibly broadcasting prior year’s events at local establishments. We will reach out to our local partners to see how we can create a new celebration and recapture some economic benefit here in Sheridan.

WYO Rodeo Refund Status (as of June 16, 2020)

We received confirmation on Tuesday, June 16 from E-Tix, our online ticketing vendor, that ALL online ticketing refunds have been processed by them. Now, the bank will process the refund to remaining customers. Many have already received refunds. But those who did not request a refund directly via the survey we shared starting in late May are now processed as of today.

Given the 7-10 business day timeline that is typical for credit card refunds, we believe everyone should see their accounts credited no later than June 30. For those who paid by check or cash, we have been actively issuing checks to them over the last week or so. For customers who don’t receive their refund by the end of June, please reach out directly to Zane Garstad at sheridanwyorodeo@gmail.com or 307.751.0121.