Every summer,
more than 400 cowboys and cowgirls from 100 colleges and universities descend
upon Casper,
Wyoming, for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). The “Rose Bowl” of college rodeo,
this event brings the best collegiate athletes to the middle of Wyoming to
compete in saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping,
steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping, goat tying and barrel racing.
And while each day’s performances take center stage, there are plenty of ways
to cowboy up in Casper during the CNFR.
1.
Visit Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters
Anchoring
downtown Casper, Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters is one of the best Western stores in the
country. With 55,000 square feet of space, Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters is home
to nine stories, 10,000 pairs of cowboy boots and beautiful hats, with a
hat-shaper on staff. Plus, 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the store.
2.
Catch Country Artist Ian Munsick at Gruner
Brothers Brewing
Arguably
one of the best up-and-coming Western artists in the music business, Ian is a
native of Sheridan, Wyoming. Today, he calls Nashville home, but is going to be
in Casper to attend CNFR and play an acoustic show at Gruner Brothers Brewing
on Wednesday, June 12. If you haven’t heard of him, be sure to take a listen to
Ian’s music here.
3.
Attend CNFR at the Casper Events Center
While
the daily performances are the main event at CNFR, there’s also plenty of other things happening at the Casper
Events Center. Slated for June 9-15, 2019, CNFR also features a trade show,
foundation style show and Special Olympics rodeo. Plus, country music singer
Jake Maurer is playing a post-CNFR show at the Events Center on Friday night.
4.
Taste Brews and Spirits
Casper’s
beer and spirits scene continues to grow, with three
new breweries joining the
culinary scene in the last two years. The anchor of it all: Backwards
Distilling Company. Home to made-in-Wyoming spirits, Backwards Distilling is a
family company that’s been in Casper for 4.5 years and is a favorite among
locals and travelers. Plus, they just opened a new tasting room in downtown
Casper. Rounding out Casper’s adult beverage options are Gruner Brothers
Brewing, Frontier Brewing Company and Skull Tree Brewing.
5.
Get Down at the Downtown Hoedown
A
new event this year that will take place at the recently completed David Street
Station, the Downtown Hoedown is Saturday, June 15, and will kick off
the city’s summer concerts series. Additional highlights: live music,
mechanical bull riding, food trucks and beer.
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