The world champion bareback rider and singer-songwriter, Chris LeDoux’s spirit carries on. Chris LeDoux is a true American cowboy and has made a lasting impression with his powerful country music and his outstanding days of bareback riding. LeDoux’s legacy lives on today through many aspects and he continues to bring insight into the American West. Here’s a list of incredible events, memorials, a foundation, a restaurant, and a spirit line that is keeping the spirit of Chris LeDoux strong.
11th Annual Chris LeDoux Days
LeDoux Days takes place every June in Kaycee, Wyoming. The town comes alive with Chris LeDoux’s spirit and excitement. Going on their 11th annual event, you can expect to catch some bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, a kids barrel race, and plenty of music to feed your soul. The musical acts performing after the rodeo this year will be, Corb Lund, Ned LeDoux, and Kellen Smith! Ned LeDoux is Chris’s son and carries on his father’s legacy of singing outstanding country music. This event is taking place on June 17 and 18, 2022.
Photo Credit: Chris LeDoux Days
Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation
The Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation raises money for the Chris LeDoux Rodeo Scholarship, which is awarded each fall to a Casper College rodeo cowboy or cowgirl. Each applicant’s work in the classroom, leadership, and overall conduct is considered. Scholarships are also given to two high school seniors (one boy and one girl). In addition, the Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation raises money for the Wyoming Make-A-Wish organization.
LeDoux It Saloon & Steak Out
Check out the LeDoux Saloon & Steak Out located at 158 Johnson Street, Big Horn, Wyoming 82833. The idea for this establishment was introduced out of 1890 Wine & Spirits’ desire to renovate the concept of the current tasting room in Sheridan to include a limited, yet excellent food menu. The pressing challenge was the limited size of 122 N Main to incorporate a kitchen. By luck, one of the partners of LeDoux Saloon & Steak Out came across the catering trailer. It is now used as the kitchen in the back patio, and finally, the idea for the first LeDoux Saloon & Steak-Out has taken shape! Come into LeDoux It Saloon & Steak Out and experience some fantastic food, drinks, and the legacy of Chris LeDoux.
Photo Credit: Just LeDoux It Saloon & Steak Out
Chris LeDoux Memorial Park
The Chris LeDoux Memorial Park is located at 401 Nolan Ave, Kaycee, Wyoming 82639 in the central part of town. The park was built by The Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation. In the heart of the park is the original 3,500-pound statue of Chris LeDoux, titled ‘Good Ride Cowboy,’. D. Michael Thomas designed and created a life and ½ size bronze statue of LeDoux and his 1976 world championship ride on a buckskin named Stormy Weather. It was named after the Garth Brooks song “Good Ride Cowboy,” the statue was unveiled in 2010.
The park’s land was owned by Chris and Peggy LeDoux but was donated to the Foundation for the park to be built. Having been an integral part of the community, it was only fitting for Chris to have a permanent place in a town he loved so dearly.
Photo Credit: D. Michael Thomas Website
Cheyenne Frontier Days
LeDoux has made history at the Cheyenne Frontier Days. He graduated from Cheyenne’s Central High School and had entered his first Cheyenne Frontier Days at the age of 19. Chris had ridden several times at the CFD rodeo, he missed becoming the bareback champion by only one point in 1974. In between riding, LeDoux and his family sold music out of a booth under the grandstands. After LeDoux’s music career launched he performed at the CFD six times in alternating years between 1993 and 2003.
Buffalo, Wyoming artist and sculptor, D. Michael Thomas crafted a bronze statue for Cheyenne Frontier Days titled, “Just LeDoux It”, which was dedicated this past summer with the entire LeDoux Family in attendance and other notables, Garth Brooks, and the entire Cheyenne Frontier Days Committee. The statue now sits in its permanent home in Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Photo Credit: Chris LeDoux Facebook
Drink Just LeDoux It
Inspired by the namesake, Drink Just LeDoux It is a wine and spirits brand dedicated to promoting the spirit of LeDoux’s music, rodeo, and the American West. A portion of all proceeds goes back to the Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation and Make-A-Wish. Drink Just LeDoux It has something for everyone, here are their Wine & Spirit Collections: Just LeDoux It Whiskey, Western Skies Vodka, Just LeDoux It Wine, Haywire Flavored Whiskey, Gunslinger Juniper Gin, Rum Ranch, and glass wear. For more information and to purchase any of the handcrafted spirits be sure to visit drinkjustledouxit.com by clicking the button below. Cheers, and enjoy!
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