CHEYENNE - By the time Earl and Betty Stewart left Friday's state quarter launch celebration, their pockets were bulging and their hands were full.

The Cheyenne couple said that while they enjoyed the speeches and the music at the hourlong ceremony, what they really wanted was a $10 roll of freshly minted Wyoming quarters for each of their 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime deal," said Earl Stewart, a retiree, who had each of his fists closed around five rolls of quarters.

The Stewarts and more than 1,000 others packed the Cheyenne Civic Center to get a free Wyoming quarter and to hear rousing music by the University of Wyoming marching band.

Speeches by Gov. Dave Freudenthal, U.S. Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and U.S. Mint Director Edmund C. Moy were received by boisterous applause and standing ovations.

Other dignitaries who attended the ceremony included State Treasurer Joe Meyer, Auditor Rita Meyer, Superintendent of Public Instruction Jim McBride and Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources Director Milward Simpson.

Also present were Wyoming legislators, members of the advisory committee that helped develop the design of the quarter and former Wyoming resident and NBC news correspondent Pete Williams, who served as emcee.

After the ceremony, a mob of impatient fourth-graders from Cheyenne schools surrounded the Capitol Building steps and waited for Freudenthal and other top officials to distribute free quarters.

When the celebration ran slightly behind schedule, the children pumped their firsts in the air and loudly chanted: "We want Dave, we want Dave," a slogan intended to induce Freudenthal to appear with the promised quarters.

When Freudenthal did emerge, the sounds of the children's cheers and happy screams could be heard for blocks.

Members of the University of Wyoming women's WNIT championship basketball team waded through the crowd, which fanned out across much of the front Capitol lawn, and handed a quarter to each eager child.

Part of history

For many who attended Friday's festivities, it was their first look at a Wyoming quarter, which is still under production by the U.S. Mint. Most said they were pleased with the design - which features the state's trademark bucking bronc and rider - and happy to get their own quarters, free of charge.

For Jackie Seebaum of Cheyenne, Friday's ceremony was a chance to be part of history, and to surprise her son with a Wyoming quarter on his birthday.

Seebaum took off from work to pick up a quarter for her son, who could not attend.

"He was really upset that he couldn't come, so this will be a little birthday surprise," Seebaum said.

Retired Cheyenne residents Sharon and George Martin were there to pick up quarters for their children, UW graduates who now live in California and Colorado.

"We're Wyoming natives, and we're just really thankful they did use the bucking horse on the quarter," said Sharon Martin, who got her first peek at the quarter Friday.

Cynthia Mendoza of Cheyenne, a stay-at-home mom, spent the ceremony trying to find enough quarters for her three sons, ages 19, 12 and 7, who could not be at the event.

She had her work cut out for her, as each person only got one free quarter and few seemed ready to part with their shiny coins.

"If I can get two more, that would be awesome," Mendoza said.

Barry Burkart of Cheyenne, a lifetime Wyoming resident, took off work to attend. Burkart called the ceremony "just amazing" and said he was especially pleased by the large turnout.

"I think over time the state quarters have kind of lost their attraction to the public, but I think it's neat that Wyoming is turning out for its own quarter," Burkart said.

"I think it's neat for Wyoming, as small as it is, to support this in such great numbers," added retired Cheyenne resident Jay Earnshaw, who also was impressed by the turnout Friday, and by the quarter design.

Paula Shepherd, a retired Cheyenne resident, bought rolls of quarters for herself and her daughter, a Wyoming native who edits an online magazine in another state.

"I just thought it would be fun for her to have some," Shepherd said.

Pete Fillion, a home designer from Granite Springs, took off from work to attend the ceremony and buy rolls of quarters for his loved ones. Fillion said he was awed by the ceremony.

"I thought it was amazingly put together and beautifully carried off," Fillion said.

For those who couldn't attend Friday's celebration, quarters in commemorative cards are available at banks across the state for $2. Rolls of quarters in original U.S. Mint wrapping are available for a limited time at Oregon Trail Banks in Cheyenne, Guernsey and Chugwater.

U.S. Mint Director Moy said the Mint will create 550 million Wyoming quarters in 10 weeks' time - 50 million more than was previously estimated.

"Your coin is about to become a very, very popular coin," said Moy, who was one of the speakers at Friday's event.

Reach capital bureau reporter Jared Miller at (307) 632-1244 or at jared.miller@casperstartribune.net.