Madsen Named Grand Marshal for 2024 JCF&R Parade

Buffalo’s Carl Madsen has been named the 2024 Johnson County Fair & Rodeo Parade Grand Marshal by the Chamber of Commerce.

A release from the organization reads, “The Buffalo Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce Carl Madsen as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Johnson County Fair & Rodeo Parade. Born and raised in Buffalo, Carl has been a pillar of our community, demonstrating unwavering support and dedication throughout his life.

The release highlighted many of Madsen’s life accomplishments including his education from the University of Wyoming, his time working for a local bank, and starting his own business that built scores of homes and remodels of existing buildings in and around Buffalo.

He has been involved with the Gatchell Museum Association, helped establish snowmobile clubs and classic car clubs in the area, and has helped build floats for many parades over the years.

The Chamber of Commerce said they are honored to recognize Carl Madsen as this year’s Grand Marshal, celebrating his enduring legacy and contributions to the community.

To read the entire press release from the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, scroll down.

Letter:

Press Release: Carl Madsen Named 2024 Johnson County Fair & Rodeo Parade Grand Marshal

The Buffalo Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce Carl Madsen as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Johnson County Fair & Rodeo Parade. Born and raised in Buffalo, Carl has been a pillar of our community, demonstrating unwavering support and dedication throughout his life.

After graduating from Johnson County High School and later the University of Wyoming in 1964, Carl returned to Buffalo. He began his career at the Wyoming Bank (now ANB Bank), where he worked for ten years before pursuing his passion for home building, following in his father’s footsteps. Over 45 homes in the area bear the mark of the Madsen family’s craftsmanship. Carl’s business also contributed significantly to the community by building and remodeling several local businesses including the Chamber of Commerce building.

Carl has also been an active member of the Gatchell Museum Association, serving in various capacities including member, treasurer, and advisory board member. In recognition of his contributions, he received the GMA’s Achievers Award in 2016.

A community organizer at heart, Carl played a key role in establishing the Powder River Snow Buffs Snowmobile Club and owned the Canyon Scorpion Snowmobile business. He has also been instrumental in creating numerous floats for the Fair & Rodeo parade over the years.

Since his retirement, Carl has devoted much of his time to the Model A and Pioneer Car Club, a hobby that has been a part of the Madsen family for over 70 years. In 1951, the family acquired one of the first Model A Phaetons in Johnson County from Jess Ducans. Although originally purchased for parts, Carl and his father restored the car, and it became a cherished family heirloom. Carl first drove it in the parade in 1958, and since then, either this car or other Madsen vehicles have participated in every Fair and Rodeo parade for the past 65 years.

The Johnson County Fair & Rodeo Parade has been a cherished tradition for Carl and the Madsen family since 1958, with Carl actively participating in various capacities – from driving his classic cars to supervising his sons with their miniature draft horse and covered wagon in the 1970s and early 1980s. The red Model T, now driven by Carl’s son Scott, has been a staple in the parade, driven by three generations of the Madsen family.

We, the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, are honored to recognize Carl Madsen as this year’s Grand Marshal, celebrating his enduring legacy and contributions to our community.