The 115th edition of the world famous Cheyenne Frontier Days has begun with the first performance Saturday afternoon.

Over the next week, the biggest names in rodeo will try to add a (or another) Cheyenne title to their resume. It’s a coveted championship. And the prize money isn’t too shabby either. In fact, the overall purse is several hundred thousand dollars.

Placing at Cheyenne brings contestants prestige. It also boosts bank accounts. It’s all important to those who make their livings on the rodeo trail.

The prize money can and, most likely, will be spent, but the memories of winning The Daddy of ’em All will last a lifetime.