Born and raised on a ranch in Southeast Wyoming, Kent Rutledge has always had a penchant for rodeo. Armed with a University of Wyoming law degree, Kent began volunteering on the Contestants Committee at CFD in 1975. It was here he learned to prepare the chute lineup and make sure all the contestants were ready for their turns. He enjoyed it immensely and was able to develop friendships with many contestants, announcers, and contractors. In 1980 he was inducted into the HEELS and asked to be Chairman of the Contestants Committee which he served on from 1981-1983. Kent worked diligently to preserve the traditions unique to Cheyenne Frontier Days™ while considering financial concerns. As Contestants Chairman, Kent was able to travel throughout the country and attend other rodeos. He was astonished at how respected and admired CFD was throughout the country and worked hard to make sure it remained so highly esteemed. Proud to be associated with CFD, Kent views it as more than just a rodeo. In 1984 and 1985, he was asked to serve as General Chairman. His tenure was during one of the hardest financial times the organization faced in its history. Bad weather, slow economy and the inability to adequately market the show left the organization with no money to operate during the winter months. Kent was forced to make some decisions that were unpopular at the time, such as appointing a new carnival operator and concessionaire and initiating a no refund policy on rodeo tickets. He saved the organization enough money to operate during the winter months without having to get a bank loan. After successfully completing the 1985 season, Kent retired from his position as General Chairman and returned to his former position in the Contestants Committee. Since stepping down as General Chairman, Kent has continued to work vigorously for CFD. His legal background has been invaluable to many different committees for a variety of issues and he continues to support the Western Art Show every year. His daughter, a three year Dandy, allowed him to experience a new part of CFD as a parent. Kent continues to love rodeo and attends CFD faithfully every year along with other rodeos in the country. He greatly values Cheyenne Frontier Days™ as an institution and serves as an inspiration for what volunteer spirit can do.