RV Travel Poll: Do You Own A Cowboy Hat?

Above, wearing my Stetson at the El Rancho Hotel restaurant.

In some regions of the U.S. law enforcement officers sport cowboy hats. 

In the Gallup, New Mexico area, many (including me) have cowboy hats. I have two, with one being a Stetson. Since I live at 7,000 feet above sea level, the air is thinner and those hats offer protection against the sun's rays. They offer more protection than do baseball caps. It is interesting that quite a number of the area's Native Americans also wear them.

RV Travel asked in a poll article, "Do you own a cowboy hat?" As of this writing, 59% of the responded with yes.

The article begins with:

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) police department updated their uniform policy awhile ago and it’s drawn quite a bit of attention. This change allows on-duty officers to sport cowboy hats, aligning them with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, which permitted the iconic hats earlier.

Now, the officers proudly showcase their cowboy hats on social media. That caught the eye of none other than Deion Sanders, the famous football coach and avid cowboy hat enthusiast. Sanders was so impressed that he offered to cover the cost of hats for the entire staff. However, Police Chief Mahoney clarified that officers would continue to buy their own hats, as these are considered optional accessories.

While the hats add a stylish touch to the officers’ uniforms, their purpose goes beyond fashion. Chief Mahoney pointed out that the wide brims provide excellent protection from the sun, which is especially beneficial during outdoor events like football games and concerts.

To read the full article and participate in the poll, go here. 

The Wrangler Store

Above, The Wrangler store in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I mentioned previously, whenever I am in Cheyenne, Wyoming, I make it a point to stop at The Wrangler store.

The Wrangler occupies a building that was built in 1892. One notable former occupant at the location was the Normandie Hotel. 

Above, The Wrangler has plenty of boots to choose from. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During a 1977 trip home from Shelton, Nebraska with my parents, we stopped in The Wrangler store. I got my first pair of boots there. I still may have them somewhere in the garage. I remember the store's interior was rustic in appearance. I don't remember how my parents happened to know about The Wrangler. 

According to Wikimedia Commons: 

Not that you'd want to, but it would be hard to miss The Wrangler in downtown Cheyenne. The three story red-painted brick building dominates a corner of Capitol Avenue by the train tracks. Home to some sort of retail outlet since its erection in 1892, the main building was joined with an adjacent former hotel sometime in the 1960s. Together the two buildings give you about 13,000 square feet of ranchwear and Western clothing, hats, boots and accessories to choose from or just marvel at.

Above, The Wrangler's famous hat room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my recent trip to Wyoming, a stop was made at The Wrangler store. I got myself a new belt and a lady friend a necklace. The sales clerk told me that the store was bought by Boot Barn fifteen years ago. They have modernized the interior of the store and it looked nothing like I remembered in 1977. As I have an account with Boot Barn, I was able to use my charge card. 

They still have a huge selection of cowboy boots and hats along with western clothing items for men and women. 

For more information, go here. 

What To Wear At A Rodeo

Above, spectators at a Gallup area rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's funny that this topic should come up from USA Today since I attended my first rodeo of the year last evening.

The subject is what to wear to a rodeo "to fit in and stay cool." Yes, staying cool in warm western rodeo climates is a must. 

Above, this young lady wearing typical western wear. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Generally, denim is the dominant fabric as are cotton shirts (t-shirts or western button or snap front shirts). 

The USA Today article gives plenty of ideas on what to wear.

They begin with:

It's rodeo season and Americans across the country are showing up to compete in and watch hundreds of events this summer. Many Americans grew up hearing about rodeos, and others, participating and watching them. But for those unfamiliar with the sport there's a lot to know.

The sport of rodeo was born from the cattle herding traditions of Spain, Mexico and Australia. Texan vaqueros, and later, American cowboys were born from and inspired by Mexican charros.

Is there a dress code for a rodeo?

Rodeo competitors already know there's a formal dress code they are required to follow. But spectators might not be as clear about what they should wear to different events. Whether you are dressing country crazy or as city slick, all outfits are welcome at a rodeo. 

Above, a girl and her dog enjoying the 2022 Best of the Best Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.