Cattlemen's Days A Rich History

Gunnison's "Granddaddy of Colorado Rodeos" made its humble debut 108 years ago. Back then, Main Street served as the arena when cowhands from the area congregated into this mountain valley town to show off their roping and riding skills.

Over the years the rodeo venue has seen many locations, including what is now Western State College track field before it settled to its current home, the Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center. It also tried out a few different names such as Pioneer Days and Helldorado.

In 1901 the celebration came under the sponsorship of the Gunnison Valley Stockgrowers Association and the rodeo officially adopted the name, "Cattlemen's Days". The event began operating under the direction of the specially created Cattlemen's Days Association several decades later.

Scheduled between spring calving and summer haying, Cattlemen's Days continues to demonstrate the rhythm of traditional ranch lifestyles. The event however, has made leaps and bounds from the days when Gunnison County ranch hands tried their luck with local ornery livestock. Its popularity now attracts PRCA cowboys and cowgirls from around the United States and Canada. These are professionals that promise topnotch performances to please the large crowds that come to watch.

The PRCA "Tough Enough To Wear Pink?" campaign has topped all rodeos in the country for raising money for breast cancer awareness. We're proud of our community and the support that helped to make this campaign a success story.