Big Year For Tourism Predicted For Cheyenne In 2017

The President of Visit Cheyenne says he expects a very strong year for tourism in Laramie County in 2017.

Darren Rudloff says low gas prices and special events like the city's 150th-anniversary celebration and a youth baseball world series, added to the perennial drawing power of Cheyenne Frontier Days, should add up to a busy summer for local businesses.

Rudloff also notes that while Cheyenne is not one of the prime viewing locations for the August 21 solar eclipse, local hotels and motels are already booked up for the event. With the city located on Interstate 25, which leads to Casper, (considered a prime eclipse viewing location), local gas stations, and restaurants can expect to do a brisk business serving travelers to the eclipse as well.

Rudloff also notes the Continental Amateur Baseball Association will be holding it's 18 and under 18 Northwest Regional Wood Bat World Series in Cheyenne on August 5-12. Organizers of that event are predicting it will pump around $4 million into the local economy.

Cheyenne will also be celebrating it's 150th anniversary August 8-12th. Rudloff says a wide range of events are planned, including a party at the Cheyenne Depot, a picnic in Lion's Park, and a panel of former mayors who will discuss the city's history.

Of course, no discussion of summer tourism in Laramie County is complete without mentioning Cheyenne Frontier Days, which some studies credit with generating $25 million to $30 million for the Laramie County economy.

Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dale Steenbergen has likened the annual western celebration to "a second Christmas" for many local businesses.

Rudloff says at this point "all signs are pointing" to very strong attendance for CFD 2017. He notes this year's concert lineup, featuring entertainers such as Flo-rida and Jason Derulo, is more youth-oriented than has usually been the case for Frontier Days.

He says that change may help draw a younger demographic for CFD than has been the case in the past.