The Contract Acts Committee has several primary functions. The first is the production of nine night shows during Frontier week. It is the Committee's job to assemble the stage top, the stage lights, and the stage sound system, including two portable sound trailers, too provide for stage hands with gators, and too assist the personal with Screen Works two video semi-trailers. The stage, sound trailers and video screens are placed on the track daily after each rodeo performance. The Committee unloads each entertainer's equipment and positions the equipment on the stage for their performance. At the conclusion of the performance the set is disassembled, repacked and loaded back into the appropriate semi trailers, and the track is then cleared of the stage, sound trailers and video screens. Late hours and hard work are a given.
Another function of Contract Acts is to feed the entertainers and their crews. Sometimes this can be well over 100 mouths to feed. With the revamping of the Contract Acts building, the kitchen crew can prepare "home cooked" type meals for all the hands. This includes special diets and other requests such as vegetarian. A lot of compliments are received on our "cuisine" and is much welcomed over the carney food that was formerly served them.
The Committee is also responsible to "entertain the entertainers" while they are in Cheyenne. This encompasses shopping for the family, swimming and movies for the kids, and recreation such as golf, target shooting, motorcycle riding and sight seeing. The Committee must also abide by the entertainer's contract, including such things as flower arrangements, fruit baskets, promotional sales, and such trivial items as only certain colored M&M's be served, or whatever the entertainer's whims may be.
The last major function of the Contract Acts Committee is the operation of the Buckin' A Dance Hall next to the carnival grounds. For the ten days, a tent is put up, the Committee assembles the stage, lighting and decoration, and the entry way approach. The band is booked by the Committee and performs prior to and at the conclusion of each night show. During the week, Committee members check ID's, monitor the crowd, and take on the duties of bouncers. They ensure that everything is running smoothly for the beverage concessioner. This way a good time can be had by all.
The Contract Acts Committee is a vital part of Cheyenne Frontier Days. It performs several major functions and is always willing to pitch in with whatever or whenever tasks are necessary. The Committee is comprised of around 140 volunteers who aren't afraid of hard work... and at the same time can have a good time and develop life-long friendships.