The Cowboys and Cowgirls Behind the Chutes: Cheyenne Frontier Days Volunteers


serving as the current General Chairman. “The rodeo has been a part of my family’s life as long as I can remember.” His father Duane served as General Chairman from 1977-1979, and Dale has followed in his footsteps. Two General Chairman in one family records a historical moment in the saga of CFD, an achievement that both Von Krosigks are proud of.

When representing CFD, General Committee Chairmen can easily be picked out of a crowd. Western to the tips of their boots, these cowboys dress to the country nines with identical long-sleeved shirts and Wrangler® jeans, oftentimes sporting bandanas. In their pockets are CFD collector’s pins (a new one every year) to distribute, and their smiles represent the Wyoming welcome visitors will receive when attending CFD. “We [General Committee] do lots of traveling,” said Von Krosigk said. “This year, we’ve traveled from New York to San Francisco to Texas to promote CFD. We also take a look at how other rodeos promote and run their rodeos. It’s like having another job, and without the support of our families, we could not support CFD.”

So why volunteer your precious time? In her 15th year of volunteering, wife and mother Holli Hinkle answers, “I do it for the love of Cheyenne Frontier Days and the camaraderie, and it’s an honor to be a part of this organization.” Ms. Hinkle serves as the first and only woman assistant on the Parade Committee and as one of the Assistant Directors to The Dandies, a group of riding young ladies who represent CFD at rodeo, fairs and other celebrations throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. The Dandies visit a total of nine states throughout the year. A self-employed hairdresser, Holli works double time before and after CFD to make up for revenue lost and is one of many that plan her time off around the rodeo. Her time commitment is huge (with the traveling and practices up to 20 hours per week), but her dedication and excitement is clearly evident and contagious in her bubbling personality. “It is the biggest thrill of all to see The Dandies perform and to know that I helped get ‘em there!”

For all these volunteers, their payment is the job itself, and an occasional “Thank you!” because, according to Hinkle and Von Krosigk, “being a part of this organization is enough.” Other tangible benefits are scarce. Even the General Committee must

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