Chris LeDoux Day!

It was proclaimed today as Chris LeDoux Day by the Governor of the state of Wyoming. Oh yes, we got to rub elbows with lots of famous and then some not so famous but all in all warm, genuine and very friendly bunch in Kaycee Wyoming.
We got down there about 10 a.m. and it turned into a really long day. I will estimate there were possibly 1500 - 2000 people there at the end. The band, Chris LeDoux's band Western Underground set up all their equipment and warmed up before the unveiling and Dedication of the "Good Ride Cowboy" statue that took it's permanant home in the small park in the center of town at 3 o'clock.
It was a whole day based on Chris's life and accomplishments and how proud but embarassed he would be that everybody was making such a big deal over him. Two years ago, we stopped in there and all that was in the square was a cement form of a part of a guitar, the sidewalks were poured and the rest was dirt. I was amazed today at the finished park, and it actually still has more to go in the landscaping. We listened to their recollections of how Chris traveled his "highway" of life "beneath the Western Sky," being first and foremost a family man, father, cowboy and Country Singer. Garth Brooks opened for him once. Garth Brooks wrote the song "Good Ride Cowboy" in his honor after his passing. This afternoon, Garth Brooks stood silently in the shadows, behind the fence in the alley, and never uttered a word. It was all about Chris. We thought he would get up on the stage and sing "Good Ride" later, but he didn't, still not detracting from this day.
We stayed to listen to Western Underground play. Chris's youngest son Ned is one of the drummers in the band.
The lead singer is Dustin Evans. He is famous on his own with the little song "If I Should Die Before You Wake." He performed that today. He had sent me a copy of that little song when my son was in Iraq, and as he did that song, it still brought a tear to my eye!
It was a simple dedication, nothing fancy, The Mayor of Kaycee talked, the Governor of Wyoming, The man that owned Stormy Weather, the horse that Chris rode for his National Championship in 1076 and is the Sculpture. The Artist that created this masterpiece was a dear friend of the family. He spoke and explained some of his motivation...there is much celebrating in that town tonight. Rest in peace Chris LeDoux. You most definitely earned the title that they have given you.....Mr. Wyoming!!