Bill Stone began his lifelong association with Cheyenne Frontier Days™ in 1956, when he worked as a concessionaire selling popcorn and soda pop. He would eventually embark on a journey of service that would span more than six decades. From hands-on volunteer work to influential leadership roles, Bill’s legacy is defined by dedication, integrity, and lasting relationships that helped shape the spirit of CFD.

Bill has lived in Cheyenne since 1949. At the age of 14, he joined the Ki-Ann Club, a local children’s organization that emphasized the appreciation of American Indian culture. He fell in love with the Sioux and other nations, a passion that has endured his entire life.

Bill has been involved with iconic pancake breakfast since 1965, where he flipped hotcakes alongside his father in-law, Richard “Hutch” Hutchison the designer and creator of the portable batter-mixing machine, an innovative piece of equipment still in use at the breakfasts today. It was while he was working the breakfasts that Bill met members of the Indians Committee and respected their role from the very start. He was asked to join the Indians Committee in 1970 and threw himself wholeheartedly into his new role. Deeply committed to honoring American Indian culture and traditions, Bill believed the Indian Village should be a place of respect, authenticity, education, and cultural pride for both participants and visitors. His dedication went far beyond volunteer hours—it was personal, purposeful, and unwavering. He was recognized for this dedication when he was inducted into the HEELs in 1975.

Known for his reliability, integrity, and genuine respect for Native traditions, Bill helped foster a welcoming, organized environment that truly reflected the values of CFD. In 1979, Bill was selected as Indians Committee Chair. During this time, he worked tirelessly to strengthen relationships between CFD and Native American families, artisans, performers, and educators. Bill recognized a troubling issue: spectators often left their seats during Indian dancing performances to get concessions or go to the restroom. He found this deeply embarrassing—not only for the performers, but for what it suggested about CFD’s understanding and respect for Native cultures. Additionally, he was upset about the long-term tradition of having the performers appear downtown and dance for donations. Determined to create change, Bill led efforts to return Indian dancing performances to a place of honor and visibility on the Frontier Days grounds where they belonged. The Indian Village, at that time, was limited to a vast unkempt dirt lot surrounded by a wooden stockade. To help improve the situation, Bill planted and watered grass where the performers would dance and built log bleachers. Hutch helped him put in the first sound system for the performances.

In 1980, Bill formally requested greater inclusion and engagement with regional American Indian leaders, yet received no response. Alarmed that no nation in the area was willing to send dancers to CFD that year, he was at a loss on how to proceed. In December, Bill expressed his concerns to his close friend Gene Love while they were enroute to the Denver National Stock Show. Gene fortuitously had a flyer about Indian powwows in his back seat featuring chiefs who led groups of tribal dancers. Gene strongly recommended one man, Billy Evans Hunting Horse of Oklahoma, a Kiowa chief. This chance moment opened the door to meaningful connections.

Soon after, Bill connected with Billy Evans Hunting Horse and invited him to Cheyenne. The two men formed a quick bond and Hunting Horse agreed to take the contract if Bill could promise that the deep snow in the Indian Village would be gone by Frontier Days. It was not a hard promise to keep and together, the men laid the foundation for respectful, collaborative relationships that would grow into lifelong friendships. These partnerships significantly elevated the representation of American Indians at CFD and marked a turning point for the Indian Village.
Under Bill’s leadership, and through direct collaboration with Southern Plains tribes, the Indian Village expanded to include American Indian food and craft vendors, flute players, improved landscaping, enhanced ambiance, and the addition of bleachers. Attendance soared, and the Indian Village became a centerpiece of cultural pride and education at CFD.

When Bill Stone concluded his Indians Committee Chairmanship in 1981, he continued his extensive contributions to CFD. He served on the CFD Old West Museum Board of Directors from 1981 to 1983, became the host for the USAF Thunderbirds in 1982 and later served for 25 years as the sponsor host for Frontier Oil. Concurrently, he became a Parade Announcer in the 1980s—a role he proudly continues today alongside Alan Johnson.

Bill’s commitment to service extends beyond Cheyenne Frontier Days™. He has given back to the broader community as an active member of the Elks, Kiwanis, and the Ki-Ann Indian Club.

Through more than 60 years of unwavering service, Bill Stone has left an indelible mark on CFD. His leadership, vision, and deep respect for people and culture have helped shape CFD into a more inclusive, authentic, and meaningful celebration.