The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ rodeo is more than just the “Daddy of ’em All” to those of us at RFD-TV. It was our late founder, Patrick Gottsch’s, favorite event each year. It was also one of the first rodeos he ever broadcast on our former sister network, The Cowboy Channel.
Today in Wyoming, Gottsch will be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame!
Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO Tom Hirsing joined us on Friday morning’s Market Day Report to discuss this special honor and the connection between this landmark Western lifestyle event and our network.
In his interview with RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arrender, Hirsing explained why Gottsch was chosen for the honor, due to his contributions throughout the event’s history, and how Cheyenne Frontier Days embodied everything Patrick loved about the Western way of life. Hirsing also shared what attendees can expect at this year’s event.
“Cheyenne Frontier Days held a very special place in Patrick’s heart,” Hirsing said. “Certainly, he holds a very great place in our hearts, too, because of the things he did for us.”
In addition to Patrick, Hirsing also highlighted some of this year’s other Hall of Fame class, including late country music superstar Toby Keith. Gottsch was a huge fan of Keith’s music, so it’s incredibly fitting that they would share this honor.
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Patrick Gottsch, the Founder and President of Rural Media Group, passed away over the weekend at the age of 70. He was a champion of Rural America, devoting more than half his life to empowering farmers and ranchers, giving them a voice at the table. We are grateful for his leadership and innovation. Join us as we mourn his passing and celebrate his many accomplishments.
Email messages of condolence and tribute to: [email protected]
The Gottsch family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Patrick’s honor be made to the National FFA Foundation.
