An annual tradition for over twenty-five years, the Open House is scheduled for December 4, 5 & 6, 2009, at the Trail End State Historic Site. Sponsored by the Trail End Guilds, Inc., the event features live entertainment and holiday decorations throughout the spectacular 1913 mansion. Open House hours are 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is two dollars for adults. Children are admitted at no charge, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Trail End – a 14,000 square foot brick mansion overlooking Sheridan’s Kendrick Park – is decorated from Thanksgiving through mid-December (open daily from 1 to 4 p.m. for self-guided tours).  Seven ornately decorated trees – including two nine-foot beauties – stand throughout the house, from the Drawing Room to the Ballroom. Windows and staircases are draped with garlands and ribbons, while potted poinsettias enhance nearly every horizontal surface.

One major attraction of the Open House is the live music, with a different act featured each hour. Guided tours of the mansion, home of former Wyoming Governor and United States Senator John B. Kendrick, are also offered during the Open House. Conducted by Trail End staff  and volunteers, the tours feature the history of the house and grounds, plus a look at what the holidays were like earlier in the Twentieth Century.

In the mansion’s historic kitchen, Trail End staff and volunteers will serve up tasty seasonal treats. This year, hot spiced cider is paired with delicious Figgy Pudding – a holiday tradition at Trail End.

In addition to Trail End’s regularly displayed furnishings – nearly all original to the house – many additional Kendrick family items are included in the annual holiday exhibit. Visitors have an opportunity to see toys, sleds, skates, dishes, and Christmas cards from the 1910s, 20s and 30s, as well as a nativity scene made in Germany prior to World War Two, and an old-fashioned “feather” tree.

This year’s focus exhibit is “Wedding Belles & Beaux: Sixty Years of Wedding Customs & Costumes, 1869-1929.” From wedding dresses and tuxedos to wedding gifts and calling cards, this whole-house exhibit offers insight on the wedding clothing, traditions and etiquette of days gone by.

The Holiday Open House is nearly the last opportunity for visitors to enjoy the historic site this year. Trail End is closed during the winter months, from December 15, 2009 through March 31, 2010. Over the winter, staff will be busy updating the site’s interpretive panels. The current exhibit will be replaced by “You Are Cordially Invited … The Art of Entertaining at Home and Away.” Using artifacts and images from the Trail End collections, as well as period magazines, newspapers and correspondence, this exhibit will take the visitor on a fascinating trip through the dining rooms and drawing rooms of America’s past.

The Trail End State Historic Site is located at 400 Clarendon Avenue in Sheridan (exit 23 off Interstate 90; turn onto Fifth Street; then left onto Clarendon). Parking for the Open House is available on Delphi, Clarendon and Victoria Streets. Limited handicapped parking is available in the circular drive between the Kendrick Mansion and the Carriage House Theater. An elevator provides access to the upper and lower floors for the mobility challenged. 

Trail End is operated by the State Parks and Historic Sites Division of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. For more information on the Trail End State Historic Site, the Holiday Open House or the Trail End Guilds, phone 307-674-4589, or visit their website at www.trailend.org.

BBM&M’s 19th Annual Holiday Show to feature artwork by Gregory Packard in the Main Gallery and works by Cynthia Mohseni in the Patio Room Gallery.
 
Ken Schuster, director of the BBM&M, describes the artists as follows: “Neither artist is a stranger to the Brinton, both having exhibited here many times since both artists’ work first debuted in our 12th Annual Holiday Show subtitled New Faces.  For me it is exciting to see how works created by once New Faces retain the freshness of inspiration that first brought them to my attention.”   About the featured artist Greg Packard he remarks that “he is still one of the friendliest and most genuine people I have had the pleasure to work with.  He has retained the perseverance to succeed as an artist.  Greg’s post-impressionistic style enables him to produce powerful paintings, yet he has honed the ability to convey a myriad of feelings to the viewer.  He is a visceral painter in the very best sense of the term, for his paintings have the ability to touch our inner depths.  He puts so much of himself on to the canvas that those canvasses can speak volumes each time you interact with them.”  With regard to Cindy Mohseni he states that “many people who feel they know her work will be surprised by her choice of subject matter for this show.  The human figure has been replaced by wine bottles, fruit and subtle landscapes.  It is a pleasure to see this artist expanding her repertoire in such a successful manner.”

The holiday exhibit opens with a reception from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, November 28.  It is free, open to the public and refreshments will be served.  Gallery hours are from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Fridays through Sundays until December 20th.  Additional hours may be arranged by calling 307-672-3173.

For more information on the Bradford Brinton Memorial & Museum, please visit www.BBMandM.org.  Click on Exhibitions & Events and the current show dates to view images of some of the artwork in this exhibition.  For more information on the artists, please consult their respective websites: www.gregorypackard.com and www.cynthiamohseni.com. 

“Historic downtown Sheridan is transformed into a winter wonderland, where visitors and local families come out together to celebrate and shop, and you can’t help but get caught up in the Christmas spirit!”said Janelle Martinsen, Executive Director of the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce. “The Stroll is a Sheridan tradition.”

Sheridan’s Main Street is closed to vehicle traffic, entertainment is scheduled in businesses, and vendors hawk their wares on the street. Santa and Mrs. Claus hear the Christmas wishes of hundreds of children and parents can get a free photo of their child with Santa courtesy of the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. Strollers enjoy hay-wagon, trolley, and fire-truck rides. A huge fireworks display serves as the grand finale for a memorable evening.

Find the perfect gift and turn this year's Christmas shopping into a special family outing in Sheridan. This exceptional community event invites you to shop while you enjoy beautiful Christmas decorations, holiday treats, and entertainment. Browse an eclectic mix of unique specialty gifts, clothing, shoes, home decorations, crafts, sporting goods, kitchenware, bath products, furniture, antiques, books, and much, much more. What would Christmas in the West be without western gifts? With numerous specialty stores featuring western items, you are sure to find just what you are looking for at the Christmas Stroll.

The Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Downtown Sheridan Association, has sponsored the Christmas Stroll each year since 1996. The Stroll kicks off the Christmas Season in Sheridan on November 27 and the festivities continue up to Christmas Eve.  The Stroll now attracts thousands of shoppers to Sheridan’s historic downtown and surrounding areas.

Most of those shoppers sport a brightly colored “Stroll button” on their lapel. Demand is high for these unique buttons, each of which features a unique number from 1 to 3000. The Stroll buttons are sold by businesses starting mid-November.  On the opening night of Stroll, the participating businesses post winning numbers in their store, and the lucky stroller whose number matches that posted in a business wins a gift from that business. Button holders have until Christmas Eve to visit all the participating businesses all over Sheridan County.  After Christmas, all of the in store winners are then entered into a drawing for $1,000.00 in Chamber Bucks. 

So come on out and enjoy a most memorable family evening and make sure you have your 14th Annual Christmas Stroll button! 

The Oldest Vaudeville Theater in Wyoming gears up for a hit season!  Kicking off with a feature performance by BJ Thomas, with his 11 Gold records, 5 Grammy Awards, and 15 Top 40 Pop/Rock Hits including: Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head, Eyes Of A New York Woman, Hooked On A Feeling!

The WYO Theater provides entertainment with a vast spectrum of performers across the globe. Located in Sheridan's historic downtown district, the theater offers live performances and a variety of shows. . . something to make you laugh, sing, warm your heart or take your breath away.

Throughout the years the theater underwent changes in name, de'cor or use, and has always remained an integral part of the community of Sheridan. When the dream became reality in 1989, the newly renovated art deco WYO Theater opened its doors to once again serve the residents of the community as the oldest operating Vaudeville Theater in Wyoming.

• BJ Thomas  Friday, November 27, 2009
• Warren Miller: Dynasty  Saturday, December 5, 2009
• A Christmas Carol  December 10-13, 2009
• Bellamy Brothers  Saturday, January 23, 2010
• Dave Taylor Dance Theatre:
  Rainforest Odessy  Friday, January 29, 2010
• Roseneath Theatre:
  Rocket and the Queen of Dreams  Wednesday, February 3, 2010
• Civic Theatre Co-production:
  I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change  February 6-7, 11-14, 2010 
• Christopher O'Riley & Carter Brey  Friday, February 19, 2010 
• Mad Science Productions:
  CSI: LIVE  Tuesday, March 2, 2010
• Tommy Sands  Wednesday, March 17, 2010
• Chicago City Limits  Tuesday, March 23, 2010
• Grand Derangement  Thursday, April 8, 2010
• Colorado Children's Chorale  Thursday, April 22, 2010
• Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour  Monday, April 26, 2010
• Wyoming Plays the WYO  Saturday, May 8, 2010

Events feature classic equine events like polo, steer roping, bronc riding and wild cow milking, beginning both days at 11 a.m.  The Big Horn Equestrian Center’s few fences and big fields put the crowd right in the middle of all the action.  Sunday features polo, the first rounds of the Wyoming Steer Roping Finals and wild cow milking. Taking place on Monday are polo, steer roping and the matched bronc riding.

The Don King Days events began when local ranchers came up with this unique combination of equestrian events to be held in honor of the community's rich equestrian heritage and those involved in it.  Fittingly naming the event after Don King, owner of King's Saddlery and renowned saddle maker world-wide. 

Admission is $8.00 for adults and children under 12 are free.  For more information, contact Micah Olsen at molsen@sheridan.edu  or 307-684-8776. 

The Ranch House on the Quarter Circle A Ranch was built in 1892 by William Moncreiffe, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  Renovated and enlarged by Bradford Brinton in 1927-28, and then opened to the public as a memorial to Western art and lifestyle through Helen Brinton's will in 1961. The Brintons' collection, on display in its original setting, includes splendid artwork by Charles M. Russell, Frederic Remington, Edward Borein, Frank Tenney Johnson, Hans Kleiber & Bill Gollings.

This summer the Reception Gallery features "Special Treasures of the Brinton" until Labor Day as well as an exhibition of works by Martha Gibbs titled "As the Spirit Moves Me"  in the Patio Room from May 23 to June 25.
 
The Museum, which includes the Ranch House, Reception Gallery and outbuildings, is open to the public from May 23 through September 7, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., and is located at 239 Brinton Road, about three miles from the town of Big Horn, WY.  For more information, please check out our website at www.BBMandM.org or call 307-672-3173.

This festival will delight the senses as the canopied campus becomes a stage for exciting artwork, fun children activities, delicious fine culinary faire and lively entertainment for the two days in the #1 Western Town in America.
 
The juried event takes place from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on August 1st and 2nd and features the work of 50 selected visual artists, six teams of welders in the welding rodeo, and over 20 live musical performances.

The event is free to the public, who are invited to come view the artwork, get a taste of culinary specialties and enjoy live musical and dance entertainment.

"It's really a positive thing for Sheridan College to show our support for art by hosting the Big West Arts Festival," President of Sheridan College Dr. Kevin Drumm said. "Sheridan College is invested in all aspects of art, and this event is our way of bringing together local and national artists in an entertaining and active setting."  Drumm hopes to see the Big West Arts Festival grow into one of the premier annual arts shows in the west.

Those who are interested in learning more about the event or artists interested in submitting an application for admission into the Big West Arts Festival,  visit the Big West Arts Festival web site at: www.bigwestartsfestival.com or contact Rod Dugal at 674-6446, ext. 3508.

Two clubs and nine playing fields ensure that polo is played somewhere in the county at least three days a week in June and from July through Labor Day, 5 days each week. The game has been played in the shadow of the Big Horns since the 1890s, when ranching brothers William and Malcolm Moncrieffe, scions of Scottish nobility, introduced the game to their cowhands.

Enjoy complete match schedules for both the Big Horn Polo Club, the oldest polo club west of the Mississippi, and the Flying H Polo Club featuring "high-goal" polo.

For more information contact: Big Horn Events Center, Leslie Olsen at 307-673-0454 or or Charlie Jorgenson 307-674-8687

Flying H Polo Club offers games every Saturday throughout the summer with preliminaries held on Thursday's prior to the games. Featuring "high-goal" polo games. Bring your chairs or blankets for sitting on the grass or in the back of pickup and enjoy an afternoon of polo.

For more information contact: The Flying H Polo Club at 307-674-9447 or info@flyinghpolo.com

"As winners of the Winter Vacation Package, we would like to say how much we enjoyed the trip!" stated Dawn.  "Our first stop was the Holiday Inn in Sheridan, with a very nice, comfortable room, and excellent food and staff. We spent one day going through the fun shops and galleries uptown, where my husband bought me a beautiful necklace at one of the galleries!" 

The Horns enjoyed a visit to the King's Museum, The Mint Bar, as well as the Trail End State Historic Site.  Then on the third day, they traveled into Montana for a day of exploration.  And then a stunning drive up into our Big Horn Mountains to stay, eat and fully enjoy the cozy Bear Lodge, just an hour from Sheridan, and yet another world of majestic scenery, wildlife, pristine waters and over 1 million acres of forest.  

Our partners offering this year's winter package all enjoyed this couple who traveled from Iowa to embrace each facet of Sheridan and their package winnings.  To see authentic 'experiences' captured by a variety of our guests' explorations, visit our website Photo Gallery . 

In the meantime, we in Sheridan look forward to our summer winners' arrival next month, to start our fun times all over with yet another couple . . .  ones who have never experienced a rodeo!  Stay tuned for their vacation feature and for our future package offerings . . .

Special exhibits for 2009 include Crazy Horse, Crook, and the Battle on Rosebud Creek, which features the art of Bernard P. Thomas; Brewing Up History: The Story of the Sheridan Brewing Company; Monarch: King of Mines in Sheridan County, with town and underground mine dioramas; Sheridan County Firsts; The Railroad, Sheridan's Ticket to Prosperity; The Tongue River Tie Flume and diorama; plus the story and photos of famed western photographer, Elsa Spear Byron.

Some of the most dramatic events in western history happened in and around Sheridan County, located on the emigrant route of the old Bozeman Trail. 

A museum store, theater, and information on area sites, businesses, and events are available at the museum, located in a fabulous log building overlooking the Big Horn Mountains on East 5th Street, directly off exit 23 from I-90.  Enjoy the views and activities on the deck as well!

The Museum is located at 850 Sibley Circle on the 5th Street exit to the town of Sheridan---the FIRST town selected by True West magazine as the "#1 Western Town in America." 
 
Come and explore the Museum daily with summer hours from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. beginning May 1st.  Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students, and free for all children under 12.   For further information, phone (307) 675-1150, e-mail schs@actaccess.net  or access the web site at www.SheridanCountyHistory.org

Held every year in July, 2009 Rodeo Week begins Friday evening, July 3rd, with popular country music star Blake Shelton and special guest, Bucky Covington in Concert.  This is the third year the Sheridan WYO Rodeo has played host to a major recording artist and with the success that has been garnered, concerts of this magnitude are sure to be a mainstay of Rodeo Week.

Next on the agenda is the Boot Kickoff at Kendrick Park on Tuesday evening.  Bring your lawn chair, blanket or just sit on the grass and enjoy local "kickers" launching their boots in the air.  Winners are determined by the longest distance their boot is kicked down the designated field.  The evening continues with a Concert in the Park.  Enjoy music, conversation, food and fun.

Wednesday morning, July 8th, watch rodeo events free of charge at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds.  Slack starts at 7:00 am with the classic steer roping event.  And for you pari-mutuel fans, this year marks the premier year for our rodeo fans to be able to place bets on their favorite cowboys in the roping events.  Come early, study the "Racing Forms" and place your bets!  Sorry kids, you must be at least 18 years old to place a bet.  Following the steer roping slack, the WPRA Barrel Racing event takes place.  Here the nation's top cowgirls guide their speedy horses around the cloverleaf barrel pattern.  It's fast, furious and fun to watch!!  The Bobby King Memorial Team Roping follows the morning slack events.  This roping was created in honor of Bobby King, a local cowboy and mentor to anyone who ever held a rope.

The carnival opens at the fairgrounds Wednesday evening and continues throughout Rodeo Week.

Thursday morning, enjoy more rodeo events with the tie-down roping, team roping and steer wrestling slack starting at 7:00 am at the fairgrounds. Again pari-mutuel betting will be held for rodeo fans to place their wagers on their favorite cowboys.  Thursday evening get ready for some of the best and wildest rodeo action you'll ever see.  The first of three Sheridan WYO Rodeo nightly performances begins with the cannon's roar signaling the start at precisely 7:00 p.m.  The World Champion Indian Relay Race showcases some of the best horses and horsemen in the world competing against each other in a grueling horse race.  The jockeys must exchange new mounts three times, their horses running the ½ mile track at breath-taking speed

Non-stop rodeo action continues with bareback riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, steer roping and the rodeo fan's favorite – bull riding!  If you haven’t purchased your rodeo tickets yet, run down to the Wyo Theater on Main Street and get them.  Ask for "Chute Side" tickets, and you'll be able to watch the cowboys and cowgirls from some of the best seats in the house!

Don't miss "Parade Day" at the Sheridan WYO Rodeo.  Starting at 6:00 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, there are also the Sneakers and Spurs Rodeo Run, a duck race and a bed race!  If ever the town of Sheridan doubles in size, it's on Parade Day.  Old, tall, young or small, you'll find the whole town meets on Main Street to watch one of the best parades in the country.

Friday and Saturday evening, rodeo continues with as much wild and exciting action as ever.  With over $200,000 in prize money, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo attracts the best cowboys and cowgirls in the world vying for the top spot (and prize money) in each of the nine rodeo events.  Thanks to the continuing and generous support of the many volunteers, sponsors and rodeo fans, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo is ranked #43 (out of over 600) in the line up of the world's best rodeos, climbing 9 notches up the elite rodeo list since last year.  With goals set high, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo will continue to grow and prosper in years to come.

Wind down on Sunday at the Sheridan WYO Rodeo Tailgate Party at the Big Horn Equestrian Center in nearby beautiful Big Horn, Wyoming.  Relaxation starts at 11:00 am with the first of two polo matches.  You'll also witness the crowning of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo Queen, brought back to be part of the rodeo activities after a 27-year hiatus.  Bring your pickup, drop the tailgate and enjoy the festivities!

SHERDIAN WYO RODEO –

Ticket sales:  Call 307-672-9084 or In Person -WYO THEATER, PO Box 528, 42 North Main Street, Sheridan, WY 82801 or on-line at www.wyotheater.com . For more information: go to our website www.sheridanwyorodeo.com or call Rodeo Central at 307-672-9715

Participating in Buffalo Bill Days is like stepping back into a Western Brigadoon where time has stopped and the past is vivid and alive.  Sheridan Wyoming, voted the #1 Western Town in the U.S. by True West Magazine, was home to Buffalo Bill, who leased the Sheridan Inn and took up residence there in 1893.  Here he was known for entertaining dignitaries from around the world, as well as auditioning and hiring his Wild West Show performers from the front porch of the hotel.   

The festival's main attraction is held Saturday evening at 7:30 PM at the Sheridan Fair Grounds bringing to life Buffalo Bill’s Original Wild West Show. Hold onto your hat for the trick ropers, Roman Riders, Calamity Jane Race, Wild Ride, and gymkana. And watch in amazement at the precision and mastery of the Westernaires, who make synchronized horse riding look easy.  The grand entry parade, lead by Buffalo Bill into the arena, is not to be missed.  Accompanying music, performed by the New Sheridan Cornet Band, will play authentic period tunes from the time of Buffalo Bill's Cowboy Band. 

A host of events, depicting Wyoming in the late-1800s, pack the week.  A Living History Family Night is kicking off the event on Wednesday evening.  Beginning at 5 PM you'll be able to get a glimpse into history and try your hand at churning butter, participate in a pie eating contest, or observe demonstrations of the lifestyles, weapons and tools of the frontier infantry and cavalry.

Thursday features yet another new event - Gymkhana, including Wild West games for the youth - barrels, poles, stake & flog races & bootlace!  Be sure to take in the Cowboy Mounted Shooters and the Super Horse Competition, daily at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds, starting Thursday.  Who knows, you may even run into Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley or Calamity Jane . . .  And don't miss the Showcase for the Cowboy Mounted Shooters, during the wild west show Saturday evening

Friday, enjoy a free concert by The Emma Hill Band on the Inn’s porch from 2-4 PM.

The celebration continues on Friday night at 7 PM with an 1890's-period Grand Victorian Ball. Participants dress up in period attire and dance the jigs of the late 1800's (dance lessons earlier in the week are included in the ticket price; Victorian garb for both the ladies and gents are available for rent from the local haberdasheries, or western dress is appreciated.

Early Saturday morning at 8 AM, if you can get up after all of that two-stepping the night before, Mosey on out to Wyarno Wy. and hail the start of the Pony Express reenactment as horse and rider sprint off on the first leg of this historic ride en-route to Sheridan.  Spectators will be on hand at 9 AM as the final rider and horse is anticipated to arrive in Sheridan at the Sheridan Inn with mail in hand to be delivered to Buffalo Bill and the Sheridan Post Master. Also enjoy the New Sheridan Cornet Band playing the original Wild West Music on the porch of the Inn.

The Pony Express reenactment is followed by an old fashion Western-style parade down Sheridan's Main Street starting at 10:30 AM, which swings its way back to the Sheridan Inn just in time for the annual Chuck Wagon lunch that starts at 11:30 AM...  The public is invited to partake in good grub and to help celebrate the Historic Sheridan Inn's 116th anniversary. 

For ticket information and more details on the Buffalo Bill Days and Wild West Show, go to www.buffalobilldays.org .  For accommodations and other activities in and around the Sheridan area, go to www.sheridanwyoming.org. 

Famed NBC TV Today Show travel editor and New York Times best-selling travel author, Peter Greenberg, reveals the first-ever Top 25 in the May issue of Newsmax magazine.  The selection process includes his personal feelings on featuring communities that embody America's core values - special characteristics distinguishing American cities from any other around the world. 

Greenberg states "Sheridan is the real deal", while applauding Sheridan as a community that embraces its Western roots, tourism, the arts, historic restoration, and offering abundant recreational year-round activities!  The Top 25 Cities and Towns are places that you may want to think of when planning your family vacation.

Criss-crossing the country during his 30 years, Greenberg has seen all kinds of towns, with the Top 25  outstanding in their efforts to embrace community, culture and conservation. And, of course, it's about the people and their values.

"With Sheridan's warm western hospitality, authentic western experiences, and majestic beauty, we rank up there with the best of them nation-wide, as affirmed by the Top 25!" states Penny Becker, Sheridan Travel and Tourism Executive Director.  "The last couple of months have been rewarding work with Greenberg, and now we look forward to pursuing exciting new opportunities sure to come our way!"

Newsmax magazine editors indicate "This Old West town has put its heart and soul into preserving its rich American history, and succeeded without becoming a theme park."  And thus, special recognition of Sheridan with the 'Best Old West Spirit' banner and #21 ranking!

Sheridan's new national designation enhances the 2-year ranking in True West magazine’s Top 10 Western Towns in America, including Sheridan as the first-ever #1 Western Town in 2006!  As well as building on the Great Neighborhoods Award by the American Planning Association that recognized our historic Main Street District last year.

The Trail End is now open for its twenty-seventh visitation season. The historic site, which was a Sheridan landmark long before it opened as a state property in 1982, examines life in Sheridan during the years 1913 to 1933, mostly through the eyes of its original owners, the Kendrick family.

New at Trail End this year is a whole-house exhibit entitled "Wedding Belles & Beaux: Sixty Years of Wedding Costumes & Customs, 1869-1929." According to Trail End Site Superintendent Cynde Georgen, the exhibit honors not only the Kendrick family brides, but married couples everywhere. "Even though we designed the exhibit in celebration of Manville and Diana Kendrick's eightieth anniversary, we found that we could use their experiences to talk about weddings and wedding couples through the ages."

This year’s exhibit features eight wedding dresses, two tuxedos, a wide variety of wedding-related artifacts and photographs, plus illustrations and quotes from period magazines and local newspapers. Site Curator, Sharie Mooney, notes that three Trail End-related dresses are among those on display: "We are featuring Rosa-Maye Kendrick's 1927 dress, Diana Cumming Kendrick's 1929 dress, and Diana's mother's dress from 1896. We are also displaying Manville Kendrick's wedding tuxedo, complete with tie, vest and top hat."

"Wedding Belles & Beaux" will be on display at Trail End throughout the 2009 season, which continues through Monday, December 14th.  The Trail End State Historic Site is located at 400 Clarendon Avenue in Sheridan, just minutes from the historic Main Street District, Kendrick Park, the Sheridan County Rodeo grounds, and the Historic Sheridan Inn.

Spring and Fall hours are 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. daily, seven days a week. Summer hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. begin June 1st and continue through the end of August. The site will be open the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as well as all day on the Fourth of July.

Admission fees are $4.00 for adults ($2.00 discount for Wyoming residents), with children seventeen and under admitted free (when accompanied by an adult). The site is nearly one hundred percent handicapped accessible. Trail End is a component of the Division of State Parks & Historic Sites, Wyoming Department of Parks and Cultural Resources. For more information, phone Trail End at 307-674-4589.

SnoWest Magazine praises the Big Horns as "one of the West's best-kept secrets - offering solitude, scenery and GREAT SNOW!" The Big Horn Trail System is perpetually rated in the Top 15, with the nearest trailhead just 15 miles southwest of Sheridan at Red Grade Road. With 100% 'real', dry powder, challenges and excitement continue into April!

Sheridan, Wyoming - voted #3 Town for Outdoorsmen in America!

• Sledders reporting great snow
• Abundant scenic vistas and exciting off-trail opportunities
• Hundreds of miles of trails on over 1 million acres of Big Horn National Forest
• Challenging and endless riding in vast open meadows on countless miles of cross-country trails
• Easy access to fresh untracked powder
• If you have short skis, you will want to leave them at home
• Limited crowds both on and off the trails

Here winter sports enthusiasts find an abundance of opportunities for invigorating outdoor recreation including boon docking, alpine and cross-country skiing, and snowboarding in an ideal mountain setting. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy snow sports and activities, as well as to revel in the magnificent scenery.

Sheridan, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Big Horn Mountains, is home base, while the Big Horns provide the winter wonderland!  Sled heads ride the range by snowmobile on 218 miles of Top 15 rated trails in the Big Horn Mountain Trail System.  Springtime provides excellent snow conditions with fresh powder, deep snow, warm days, and riding into April. The nearest trailhead is located just 15 miles south of Sheridan, with 100% "real" dry powdery snow. Cross-country trails are abundant in wide-open meadows and on telemark hillsides.

Deep snows, spectacular scenery and the vastness of the West are why people ride the Big Horns. Riding opportunities are both challenging and endless in these rugged and inviting mountains, offering some of the most enticing snowmobiling in the world. During the winter it's easy to find fresh untracked powder and steep rolling hills to explore, with a diverse trail system that provides easy access.

Within nearly one million acres of national forest, the Big Horns also provide almost 50 miles of ungroomed trails, countless miles of cross-country exploring, and exciting off-trail opportunities. Limited commercial development keeps the crowds down both on and off the trails, while first-class lodging is available just a short drive away in Sheridan.  In the historic downtown, dining runs the gamut from down-home to gourmet, and specialty shopping ranges from antiques and cowboy memorabilia to intriguing boutiques and galleries.

For cross country enthusiasts, the area offers fantastic skiing with untouched powder.  Groomed and ungroomed trails criss-cross the Big Horns.  Here skiers may hit the trails and escape into the inviting quiet of the forest. 

In addition, Sheridan and the Big Horn Mountains offer a bevy of outdoor recreation opportunities including ice-skating and snowshoeing. Children and adults both enjoy skating at Whitney Community Ice Rink. The area also offers other winter outdoor activities including ice fishing and wildlife viewing. Wildlife is as abundant as the snow, with large animals such as moose, elk, and deer viewed throughout the winter months.

While in Sheridan, enjoy the evening entertainment, at fun restaurants, specialty shops, a movie, or a live performance at the WYO Theater – all in the original #1 Western Town in America!  Embrace the West with a Downtown Walking Tour or at the legendary Mint Bar. Lodging options offering value and comfort at affordable prices are available to groups of any size. If in need, just ask, while experiencing the friendly hospitality here in Sheridan, Wyoming - The West at its Best!
       
Conveniently adjacent to Interstate 90 in north central Wyoming, Sheridan is 203 miles east of Yellowstone National Park, 240 miles west of Mt. Rushmore National Monument, and 125 miles southeast of Billings, Montana.  Explore winter sports, adventures, snow reports, trail maps and lodging.

SnoWest Magazine praises the Big Horns as "one of the West's best-kept secrets - offering solitude, scenery and GREAT SNOW!" The Big Horn Trail System is perpetually rated in the Top 15, with the nearest trailhead just 15 miles southwest of Sheridan at Red Grade Road. With 100% 'real', dry powder, challenges and excitement continue into April!

Sheridan, Wyoming - voted #3 Town for Outdoorsmen in America!

• Sledders reporting great snow
• Abundant scenic vistas and exciting off-trail opportunities
• Hundreds of miles of trails on over 1 million acres of Big Horn National Forest
• Challenging and endless riding in vast open meadows on countless miles of cross-country trails
• Easy access to fresh untracked powder
• If you have short skis, you will want to leave them at home
• Limited crowds both on and off the trails

An annual tradition for nearly twenty-five years, the Open House is scheduled for December 5, 6 & 7, 2008, at the Trail End State Historic Site. Sponsored by the Trail End Guilds, Inc., the event features live entertainment and holiday decorations throughout the spectacular 1913 mansion. Open House hours are 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is one dollar for adults. Children are admitted at no charge, when accompanied by an adult.

Trail End - a 14,000 square foot brick mansion overlooking Kendrick Park - is decorated from Thanksgiving through mid-December (open daily from 1 to 4 p.m. for self-guided tours).  Seven ornately decorated trees - including two nine-foot beauties - stand throughout the house, from the Drawing Room to the Ballroom. Windows and staircases are draped with garlands and ribbons, while potted poinsettias enhance nearly every horizontal surface.

In addition to holiday decorations, the Ballroom will be the scene of the museum's first-ever quilt exhibit, open to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. all three days of the Open House. Sheridan’s Creative Fiber Guild is assisting Trail End with the showing. In addition to providing quilt display frames, several CFG volunteers will be on hand throughout the Holiday Open House to provide both security for and information about the quilts. "Other than preserving them, our staff doesn't know a lot about historic quilts," notes Trail End site superintendent Cynde Georgen, "Several CFG members have been very helpful in identifying the quilts' patterns. We couldn't have done this exhibit without them."

The quilts, belonging to the family of former Wyoming Governor and U. S. Senator John B. Kendrick, were recently removed from storage and added to the museum's collections. According to Georgen, they haven't been viewed by more than a dozen people since they were packed away decades ago and are in excellent condition for their age - which was easy to establish. "The ladies who worked on these did us a great favor when they stitched their names and dates into the quilts," Georgen continued. "We know that one was finished in March 1879 by a woman named Susan, while three from the early 1900s were completed by Fannie Henderson. Anyone with even a passing interest in quilting will be enchanted by the fabrics, the designs and the quality of the stitching."

One major attraction of the Open House is the live music, with a different act featured each hour. While this year’s schedule has yet to be finalized, patrons can be assured of being entertained by a wide variety of artists. The official entertainment schedule will be available at the museum after Thanksgiving (phone 307-674-4589 for details). As always, guided tours of the mansion will be offered, along with hot spiced cider and Figgy Pudding – long a Trail End tradition.

The Holiday Open House is nearly the last opportunity for visitors to enjoy the historic site this year. Trail End is closed during the winter months, from December 15, 2008 through February 28, 2009. Over the winter, staff will be busy updating the site's interpretive panels. The current exhibit, "Youngsters to Be Proud Of," explores changing attitudes toward children over the years. The 2009 exhibit, "Wedding Belles and Beaux," celebrates not only the 80th anniversary of the union between Manville Kendrick and Diana Cumming, but the costumes and customs of weddings throughout the ages.

The Trail End State Historic Site is located at 400 Clarendon Avenue in Sheridan (exit 23 off Interstate 90; turn onto Fifth Street; then left onto Clarendon). Parking for the Open House is available on Delphi, Clarendon and Victoria Streets. Limited handicapped parking is available in the west circular drive between the Kendrick Mansion and the Carriage House Theater. The upper and lower floors of the mansion are accessible to the mobility impaired through use of the elevator.

Trail End is operated by the State Parks and Historic Sites Division of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. For more information on the Trail End State Historic Site, the Holiday Open House or the Trail End Guilds, phone 307-674-4589, or visit their website at www.trailend.org.

"Historic downtown Sheridan is transformed into a winter wonderland, where visitors and local families come out together to celebrate and shop, and you can't help but get caught up in the Christmas spirit!" said Janelle Martinsen, Executive Director of the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce. "The Stroll is a Sheridan tradition."

Sheridan’s Main Street is closed to vehicle traffic, entertainment is scheduled in businesses, and vendors hawk their wares on the street. Santa and Mrs. Claus hear the Christmas wishes of hundreds of children, and strollers enjoy carriage, hay-wagon, trolley, and fire-truck rides. A huge fireworks display serves as the grand finale for a memorable evening.

Find the perfect gift and turn this year's Christmas shopping into a special family outing in Sheridan. This exceptional community event invites you to shop while you enjoy beautiful Christmas decorations, holiday treats, and entertainment. Browse an eclectic mix of unique specialty gifts, clothing, shoes, home decorations, crafts, sporting goods, kitchenware, bath products, furniture, antiques, books, and much, much more. What would Christmas in the West be without western gifts? With numerous specialty stores featuring western items, you are sure to find just what you are looking for at the Christmas Stroll.

The Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Downtown Sheridan Association, has sponsored the Christmas Stroll each year since 1996. The Stroll kicks off the Christmas Season in Sheridan on November 28 and the festivities continue up to Christmas Eve.  The Stroll now attracts thousands of shoppers to Sheridan's historic downtown and surrounding areas.

Most of those shoppers sport a brightly colored "Stroll button" on their lapel. Demand is high for these unique buttons, each of which features a unique number from 1 to 3000. The Stroll buttons are sold by businesses starting mid-November.  On the opening night of Stroll, the participating businesses post winning numbers in their store, and the lucky stroller whose number matches that posted in a business wins a gift from that business. Button holders have until Christmas Eve to visit all the participating businesses all over Sheridan County.  After Christmas, all of the in store winners are then entered into a drawing for $1,000.00. 

Some of the most dramatic events in western history happened in and around Sheridan County, located on the emigrant route of the old Bozeman Trail. 

The Museum is located at 850 Sibley Circle on the 5th Street exit to the town of Sheridan---the FIRST town selected by True West magazine as the "#1 Western Town in America."

Special exhibits for 2008 include Crazy Horse, Crook, and the Battle on Rosebud Creek, which features the art of Bernard P. Thomas; Brewing Up History: The Story of the Sheridan Brewing Company; Monarch: King of Mines in Sheridan County, with town and underground mine dioramas; Sheridan County Firsts; The Railroad, Sheridan's Ticket to Prosperity; The Tongue River Tie Flume and diorama; plus the story and photos of famed western photographer, Elsa Spear Byron.

A museum store, theater, and information on area sites, businesses, and events are available at the museum, located in a fabulous log building overlooking the Big Horn Mountains on East 5th Street, directly off exit 23 from I-90.  Enjoy the views and activities on the deck as well!

Come and explore the Museum daily with fall hours from 1 - 5 p.m. through December 16th Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students, and free for all children under 12.   For further information, phone (307) 675-1150, e-mail schs@actaccess.net  or access the web site at www.SheridanCountyHistory.org

How did you enjoy your experience in to Sheridan, Wyoming?  Was it your first or a return trip to the #1 Western Town in America? 

Enjoy seeing your photos featured on the #1 tourism website at http://sheridanwyoming.org/gallery/ . . .   Sheridan Travel and Tourism's new Photo Gallery is now available for use by visitors and locals alike!  Submit your favorite photos with your contact information on the Photo Gallery form, AND compete for the winner's prizes associated with our quarterly contest for the West at its Best – Sheridan Wyoming canvas bag and colorful pin, as well as the #1 Western Town in America badge and picturesque Embrace the West postcard!

The Gallery launch features the ability for people to upload photos of the Sheridan area for inclusion into the gallery.  Photos uploaded will be reviewed before going live to ensure they are applicable and appropriate for the site.  Photos will then be placed into one of four albums: The Town, Mountains, Historical or Activities.

Once the picture has been approved, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with a link to your photo, should you supply an email address when you upload your photo.  And you would then be able to share the link with family, friends and business associates to enjoy your work as displayed on the official tourism website.

Also new this summer is our sites and activities brochure with map and touring maps for our guests traveling over the road, via motor cycle and vehicle.  Take a moment to see what you missed, and what you want to include in your next travels our way . . .

We look forward to featuring photos from the community, family, friends and visitors to the West at its Best!. 

The WYO Theater provides entertainment with a vast spectrum of performers across the globe. Located in Sheridan's historic downtown district, the theater offers live performances and a variety of shows. . . something to make you laugh, sing, warm your heart or take your breath away.

Throughout the years the theater underwent changes in name, de'cor or use, and has always remained an integral part of the community of Sheridan. When the dream became reality in 1989, the newly renovated art deco WYO Theater opened its doors to once again serve the residents of the community as the oldest operating Vaudeville Theater in Wyoming.

For details on the following performances visit the WYO Theater at www.wyotheater.com or 42 N. Main in Sheridan or call 307-672-9083

Thursday, October 2, 2008 - Tall Stories: The Gruffalo

Tuesday, October 7, 2008 - Momix

Saturday, October 18, 2008 - WYO Theater Benefit Gala: Crazy For You

October 23-26, 2008 - Crazy For You Encore Performances

Friday, November 7, 2008 - Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas

Friday, November 14, 2008 - Davide Cabassi

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - Two Beans Production: Jack Sprat Low Fat World Tour

Friday, November 28, 2008 - Ski Movie: Children of Winter

December 6-7, 2008 - David Taylor Dance Theatre: The Nutcracker

January 24-25, 2009 - The Bar J Wranglers

Friday, January 30, 2009 - Soul Street Dance Co.

Thursday, February 5, 2009 - Edgar Meyer and Mike Marshall

Saturday, February 14, 2009 - Romanza Valentine's Day

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - Roseneath Theatre: Spirit Horse

Saturday, February 21, 2009 - The Vienna Boys Choir

Friday, February 27, 2009 - Paul Taylor

Saturday, March 7, 2009 - John Hammond

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - Boys of the Lough

Friday, March 20, 2009 - Let's Go Science Show

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 - Signstage On-Tour: Dr. Dolittle

April 16-19, 2009 - Civc Theater Guild Co-Production

Saturday, May 2, 2009 - Wyoming Plays the WYO

Sheridan is conveniently located in the foothills of the Big Horns where Scenic By-ways 14 and 14A meander through the Mountains, providing vehicle turnouts to relax, enjoy abundant wildlife - for photography or hunting, as well as world-class views. Highway 14 beckons you into beautiful Shell Canyon with must-stops at the cascading falls and self-guided nature paths. Highway 14A, accessible from May through October, provides incredible views, enlivened by moose in the wild and access to the sacred Medicine Wheel.  

Anglers Paradise - With 106 million acres of Bighorn National Forest encompassing 180,000 acres of wilderness, encounter tranquil, secluded streams and some of the finest fishing around. Those wild waters, along with trophy reservoirs and private streams and ponds, provide ample opportunity to test your mettle against a variety of trout. Maybe cast the broad Tongue River or the mighty Big Horn, just a few miles away.

Anglers have diverse opportunities while fishing northeast Wyoming. Game fish species vary from northern pike and walleye in reservoirs to golden trout and grayling in the Bighorn Mountain lakes. The lowland lakes and ponds are in excellent shape and reservoirs, such as Lake DeSmet, provide excellent fishing opportunities.   With the ‘urban’ ponds (Sheridan Fairgrounds, Mavrakis Pond) providing great trout fishing opportunities for beginning and experienced anglers alike, especially families.

The high mountain alpine lakes in the Bighorns should produce some quality angling with stocking programs, in conjunction with wild fisheries, creating good trout populations in the more popular lakes. Cutthroat trout are the most common species stocked, but there are a diverse array of opportunities for brown, rainbow, golden and brook trout, as well as grayling, lake trout and splake.

Prized Hunting Grounds - And the new and return hunters to the region are welcomed into a hunting abundance! The Sheridan area is the last most prized hunting grounds of the native American, with this long and rich tradition of hunting and boasts an abundance and diversity of big game, while comprised of public and private lands which are both integral to maintaining the myriad of wildlife species for which we are known. 

Hunter information stations are available again in Sheridan this fall during peak-use days to answer questions about specific hunt areas, in include the following species:  Adult mule deer, White-tailed deer, Elk, Moose, Antelope, and  black bear; Birds – pheasants, gray partridge, sharp-tailed grouse and sage grouse, blue grouse, turkeys.

Walk-in access areas continue to gain in popularity in northeast Wyoming. These hunting and fishing areas are identified with signs, and can be located by using maps found in an atlas, which is available at the regional office and license agents. Separate areas have specific species for hunting so be sure to check the atlas for those species and possible changes from last season. 

Many hunting opportunities are on private land so hunters should plan for access of private land by arranging for permission with private landowners for access to hunt or fish or travel through private property before purchasing a license. To make these arrangements, or for answers to questions concerning your experience in our region contact the Sheridan Regional Office at 307- 672-7418 or 1-800-331-9834 within Wyoming. Also to view the interesting wildlife displays, stop by the visitors center at the  Regional Office, located East of exit 23 on I-90.

More spectators than ever before look set to make polo a regular part of their weekly recreation schedules.  Polo players from the Bendabout team and Flying H staff took to the streets on July 11 as part of the Big Horn Summer Parade and handed out over 2,000 flyers to the crowds thronging the streets.  One of over 100 floats in the parade, the Flying H team were thrilled to be a part of the spectacle.  Commenting on the parade, and especially the polo float, Jackie Walters from Sheridan, WY said:  “it is such a treat to have this level of polo played right here on our doorstep.  We take family and friends to enjoy a great day out – perfect for entertaining”.

Highlights of the season include the NAPL Skeeter Johnston Memorial Cup & The Flying H Cup, which are being played in the last two weeks of August. Six teams are expected to play for the closely fought trophy, some of which are Bendabout, Mt. Brilliant & Isla Carroll. This season the Club welcomes the following sponsors and special events: Bradford Brinton Memorial & Museum, BHJ Centry 21, Big Horn Beverage, Bozeman Trail Gallery, Bozeman Watch Co, Canyon Ranch Guide Shack, DA Davidson, Davis & Cannon, Downtown Sheridan Association, HF Bar Ranch, Heartland Kubota, Kings Saddlery, Mirr Ranch Group, Oliver's Bar & Grill, Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Perks Hospital, The Power Horn Golf Community,

The Flying H Polo Club was created in 2005 specifically for high goal polo. Located in Big Horn, just outside Sheridan, Wyoming, Flying H Polo Club has four new fields and barns that can accommodate over 100 horses.

Big Horn, Wyoming is well known for its history of quality cattle ranches, outstanding horse breeding and raising operations and for its continuous support of polo. Polo has been played in Big Horn since 1898.  With a population of just 217 people Big Horn is a small town just outside Sheridan.

One of Wyoming’s historical and cultural jewels, Sheridan is a place where Western history and dramatic mountains meet New West comfort with the serenity of wide-open spaces. Picturesque, Historic & Vibrant. A pocket of world-class culture wrapped up in hometown hospitality and authentic real west charm. You can have it all, unlimited, easy to access recreation in the still-pristine Big Horn Mountains. Accommodations include one of the most prestige Golf Communities, The Power Horn, as well as, many locally owned, and national chain, and historical hotels/motels.  

For further information on playing polo at the Flying H Polo Club, call Polo Manager: Jimmy Newman 561-202-5185. www.flyinghpolo.com. The NAPL season at Flying H Polo Club is played in August. For updated match information, please visit www.northamericanpololeague.com.

Opening Day Matches for the July – August 2008 Season

• The Powder Horn's 27-hole championship course rated in GolfWeek's top 100
• Kendrick's 18 hole course rated in the top 5 courses in Wyoming by Golf Digest magazine
• Sheridan Country Club
• Buffalo Course

• Sledders reporting great snow
  
• Abundant scenic vistas and exciting off-trail opportunities
  
• Hundreds of miles of trails on over 1 million acres of Big Horn National Forest
  
• Challenging and endless riding in vast open meadows on countless miles of cross-country trails
• Easy access to fresh untracked powder
• If you have short skis, you will want to leave them at home
  
• Limited crowds both on and off the trails