A Life Raised in Rodeo
Cheyenne Frontier Days is world-famous for its rodeo, but the story of the “Daddy of ’Em All” extends far beyond the arena. From the athletes chasing lifelong dreams to the voices sharing those moments with fans around the world, Frontier Days is built on the people who help tell its story. For rodeo broadcaster Katy Lucas, those stories are what make Cheyenne Frontier Days truly unforgettable.
For Katy, rodeo isn’t just something she reports on — it’s part of who she is.
Lucas grew up surrounded by the sport. Her father competed professionally for 25 years, and rodeo was woven into her life from the very beginning.
(1985 CFD Champion Calf Roping Buckle from Katy’s father, Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Joe “Smokin’ Joe” Lucas.)
“I went to my first rodeo when I was 11 days old,” Lucas said. “There was really no life before rodeo.”
By junior high, Lucas discovered another passion: storytelling. That interest naturally paired with the sport she loved, and she began writing for rodeo magazines while still in high school. Inspired by rodeo broadcaster Jennifer Smith, Lucas dreamed of one day telling rodeo stories on a larger stage.
After years of freelancing and building experience, she landed a job with The Cowboy Channel, starting behind the scenes as a producer before moving into an on-air role. Today, Lucas is recognized as one of rodeo’s leading media voices and recently earned Western Horseman’s award for Best of Western Media.
Why Rodeo Stories Matter
Lucas says her passion for rodeo journalism comes from wanting to see the sport continue to grow.
“I want to see rodeo get to the next level,” she said. “Telling those stories helps make sure rodeo lasts forever.”
Covering rodeo also means witnessing unforgettable moments in the lives of athletes.
One of Lucas’s most emotional experiences came when her brother won the National Western Stock Show Rodeo in Denver, his first major PRCA victory. Lucas was there to interview him moments after the win. More recently, she got to interview him after watching him win the Canadian Tie-Down Roping Championship, a title he had chased for years.
“Seeing everything finally fall into place for him was incredible,” Lucas said.
Unexpected Moments on the Rodeo Trail
While competition is intense, Lucas says some of her favorite memories come from traditions and moments outside the arena.
One that stands out happens every year at the rodeo in Sikeston, Missouri.
On the final day of the event, the entire rodeo grounds erupt into a massive water fight — a tradition locals and rodeo participants look forward to each year.
“There are water guns, a Humvee with a water cannon, and thousands of water balloons,” Lucas said.
At first, Lucas planned to stay on the sidelines and avoid getting soaked. But eventually, the energy of the moment pulled her in.
She climbed onto the Humvee and joined the action.
“Those are the kinds of traditions that make rodeo special,” she said. “They’re the moments you remember long after the rodeo ends.”
Experiencing Cheyenne Frontier Days
Lucas first attended Cheyenne Frontier Days as a baby with her father. Years later, she returned in 2015 as Miss Rodeo Canada, giving her the opportunity to experience the legendary event from a unique perspective.
Her first time covering the rodeo professionally came in 2023.
“I was so focused on doing my job that it took a few performances before it really hit me,” Lucas said. “I realized I was reporting at the Daddy of ’Em All.”
Why Cheyenne Frontier Days Is “The Daddy of ’Em All”
Lucas affectionately calls Cheyenne Frontier Days “The Dad.”
“Every generation of rodeo cowboy grows up dreaming of winning Cheyenne,” she said.
The rodeo’s history and prestige make it one of the most respected events in the sport.
“It’s not an easy rodeo to win,” Lucas said. “If you win Cheyenne, you truly are a cowboy.”
With only one champion per event, earning a title at CFD carries enormous meaning for competitors.
Unforgettable Moments at Frontier Park
One of Lucas’s favorite traditions involves one of the most famous saddle bronc horses in rodeo — The Black Tie.
Each year, competitors wait anxiously to see who draws the legendary horse in the championship round.
In 2025, Brody Cress, a Saddle Bronc rider and Visit Cheyenne sponsored athlete, drew The Black Tie in the short round and went on to win the event.
“If you use The Black Tie, you’re going to be the winner,” Lucas said. “But you have to use him, you can’t stub your toe.”
Another moment that always stands out to Lucas is the champion’s victory lap during the closing ceremony.
“You can see how much it means to them,” she said. “This is the moment they’ve dreamed of their entire career.”
The Atmosphere of Cheyenne Frontier Days
Lucas says the energy at Cheyenne Frontier Days is unlike any other rodeo in the world.
“When you walk into the arena, you can feel that something special has happened there,” she said.
Generations of champions have competed in the same arena, creating a sense of history that’s impossible to ignore.
“There are so many people who came before you and helped build the sport,” Lucas said.
What First-Time Visitors Should See
For visitors attending Cheyenne Frontier Days for the first time, Lucas recommends a few experiences they shouldn’t miss.
The opening ceremonies are a must-see, setting the tone for the rodeo and celebrating Western heritage.
She also recommends watching the Running of the Bucking Horses before bareback riding begins.
“Horses are such beautiful animals,” Lucas said. “Cheyenne really honors them, and it’s incredible to watch.”
Becoming Part of the History
When asked to sum up Cheyenne Frontier Days in one phrase, Lucas returned to the powerful sense of history that surrounds the event.
“Walking into Frontier Park is walking onto hallowed ground,” she said.
After years of covering rodeos across North America, Lucas says Cheyenne still carries a feeling unlike anywhere else on the rodeo trail. Every ride, every championship, and every victory lap adds another chapter to the story of the “Daddy of ’Em All.”
For Lucas, being there to witness those moments — and share them with fans around the world — is part of what makes Cheyenne Frontier Days so special.
(High Country/Faith Williams Photography)