Mary first became involved with Cheyenne Frontier Days™ when she rode in the parades as a child. Her father, who drove the Dr. Crook carriage, took her along one day. The carriage has a stork suspended from the front of the carriage as it goes along. On this particular day he put a sign on the carriage for fun saying “Up for Adoption.” Mary cried all the way through the parade as she thought he meant she was really going to be adopted. In 1959, while at college, she received a letter stating that with her parents’ permission, she had been selected as Miss Lady-in-Waiting for the 1960 celebration. She accepted and had a great time representing CFD at rodeos and civic events. In the fall of 1960, Mary was selected to be Miss Frontier for the 1961 event. She and her Lady-in-Waiting had many adventures and travels around the area. She joined the W-Heels in 1979 and served three years as chairperson (1998-1990), assisting in costume check out and carriage assignments for the parades. Joining the Board of the CFD Old West Museum in 1977, she arranged volunteers to take shifts in the Museum in the early years. She continues to be an active volunteer with the clothing collection. She was also assigned to the art show. The Governor’s Invitational Art Show and Sale (currently the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Western Art Show and Sale) debuted in July of 1981 and Mary has participated on the committee every year since.