2024 another record-breaking year for Sheridan WYO Rodeo

SHERIDAN (WNE) — The Sheridan WYO Rodeo continues to set a higher bar for itself.

The WYO set personal records in 2023 and continued doing so in 2024 with ticket sales and record payouts to competitors.

WYO rodeo sold out for the first time in its storied 90-year history in 2021, and 2024 marks the fourth year in a row it has sold out.

For the first time in the event’s history, every ticket was sold for all four nights before spectators could set foot in the grandstands at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds for rodeo performances.

Sheridan WYO Rodeo Board President Hayden Heaphy said selling out before the event created some mixed emotions for him.

“It’s a good feeling from the standpoint of the event, because you are able to go in there confidently knowing you’ve sold all the seats,” Heaphy said. “But, you disappoint some people because you don’t have any seats to sell them.”

Heaphy said as rodeo week drew nearer, groups of available seats were sparse and some attendees had to sit away from their groups and families.

Sheridan WYO Rodeo Executive Director Zane Garstad said this year’s payout was $490,440; a roughly $7,000 increase from 2023 and another record for the rodeo.

Community involvement and investment in rodeo has made this an exciting time, as well.

“I don’t have enough sponsorships (available) for all the people that want to be sponsors, and that is almost unheard of in the world today,” Garstad said.

Garstad’s goals for the 2025 Sheridan WYO Rodeo are simple: continue the sellout streak and grow the event’s total prize money.

This story was published on July 16, 2024.