If downtown Orlando is going to be known for its nightlife again, it could be the first two-step. The Cheyenne Saloon welcomed a huge crowd for its reopening with a performance by country music band Lonestar.

"It's just a great facility, and it means a lot to have something like this back up and running in downtown Orlando," Cheyenne cofounder Dick Milano said.

The Cheyenne was once the cornerstone of Orlando's downtown nightlife. "But that was before Disney added Pleasure Island, Universal added CityWalk, and the city just wasn't big enough for the three of them. Downtown watering holes like Cheyenne Saloon and Rosie O'Grady's dried up. I think a lot of people came in here over the years and took over these buildings that really had no idea what it takes to run a saloon, to run an entertainment complex," Milano said.

By 2001, the Cheyenne was idle, and ownership eventually landed in the hands of developer Cameron Kuehn, whose attempts to revive Church Street are on life support right now because of financial problems. Only time will tell if the oldie-but-goodie will be able to stay afloat, but for now, the Cheyenne is back up and kicking dust and those who love the scene said it's about time.

The three-day reopening celebration continues Friday and Saturday with performances by Collin Raye and Lee Greenwood.

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