About us

This festival spans over two weekends and features Pro Rodeo, Bull-Riding and Kids Rodeos, Country and Classic Rock Concerts, Demolition Derby, televised 4th of July Parade, Carnival Midway, Western Art Show, Free Stage Entertainment, and loads of festival grounds activities, mixed with food and fun galore - a real taste of Western hospitality!

History

The Greeley Stampede is rich in tradition and heritage, dating back to the late 1800s. This community celebration that began to honor local potato farmers has since grown into an internationally acclaimed festival, attracting 400,000 people annually. «more»

Sponsors

As the World's Largest 4th of July Rodeo and Western Celebration, we would not be so successful without the support of outstanding businesses in the region that we like to refer to as our partners. «more»
 

Staff

There are presently four full-time staff positions at the Greeley Stampede in addition to more than twenty seasonal employees.

Bill Ogg, Executive Director; Mark Tucker, Assistant Director; Justin Watada, Director of Marketing; Heidi Grogg, Office Manager.
 

Committee Members

The Greeley Stampede Board of Directors is comprised of volunteer community leaders. Each serves a four-year term, after which they are voted into the Old Bucker Organization and can be called upon as need would arise.

Each committeeman has a specific area(s) of responsibility. Assisting them is a committee-appointed Wrangler, called a Trail Boss. They spend an average of 20 hours per week, for approximately nine months of the year, in preparation and actual implementation of the event.

The Stampede is genuinely grateful to past and present volunteer committeemen for the leadership and direction that has brought the Stampede worldwide acclaim.

2009 Greeley Stampede Board of Directors (Committee Members)

Rusty Mellon General Chairman	Keith Reichert Vice Chairman; Grounds	Ron Wildeman Treasurer; Parades
Brandon Vogt Secretary; Admissions	Ray Esola Beverages	Dick Davis Pro Rodeos
Buck Moskalski Capital Improvements	Kyle Holman Night Shows	Trish Moran Concessions
Randy Owens Demolition Derby	Trudy Sargent Hospitality	Phil Shaffer Security

Stampede Foundation

The Stampede Foundation was formed to support education in the community.

Foundation Programs

Scholarship Award Program: This program provides scholarships to young individuals who win various competitions during the Greeley Stampede.

Scholarship Payment: All scholarships are held until proof of graduation and admittance to a college or university is proven. Payment is then made directly to the financial office of the institution the individual is attending.

Supporting the Stampede Foundation

Cookbook: The Stampede Cowboy Cookin' Cookbook is for sale benefitting the Stampede Foundation.

Pin Program: Stampede pins are sold in northern Colorado and Front Range for a chance to win one of ten prizes, including a new truck, computer and airline tickets.

Big Buckle Ball Auction: During the Big Buckle Ball, a live and silent auction allows community businesses and individuals to donate and bid on items.

Ride 'Em CowSpoke Bike Ride: The Stampede Foundation and The Conditioning Spa have teamed up to bring you the rootinest tootinest bike ride around. This year's ride will be held on Sunday, June 13th along the Poudre Trail, starting and ending at Island Grove Park, 11th Avenue. Click here for more information.

Stampede Foundation Poker Run: Spend the 4th of July riding 150 miles of great northern Colorado riding and a chance to win $500! Each registrant receives a breakfast burrito, t-shirt, admission to the Gloriana concert and a chance at prizes. Click here for more information.

Western Art Show: Some of the finest western artists around the country participate in the Stampede Western Art Show. The Stampede donates the proceeds to the Stampede Foundation.

Stampede Outriders

A decade ago, Marsha Fell, a one-time owner of her own public relations firm approached the Greeley Stampede with an idea that would change the way the event handles many public relations responsibilities. The Stampede Outriders Program was born and has blossomed into a major component of the overall promotion and marketing of the event.

The Outrider Program is made up of five college-age young adult who work to help promote the event. During the event, the Outriders play a key role in the success of the "Search for the Gold" Pin Program, which goes to benefit the Stampede Foundation Scholarship Program. The Outriders' other duties include hosting and greeting VIPs and dignitaries, attending promotions and other various duties. The Outriders have become a vital part of the promotion, marketing and sales of the Stampede through constant community interaction and presentation of the All-American Western image.

Many of the young adults use the Outrider Program as an internship through their selected college in addition to acquiring some great work experience. You'll recognize the Outriders by their impeccable appearance and smiling faces. Don't hesitate to ask for help or just say "hi" to them whenever you see them during the Greeley Stampede.

Volunteers

Schools and civic organizations from across Colorado make up over 3,000 volunteers, along with the Stampede Riders and Wranglers. Without many of these organizations, The Greeley Stampede would not be a success. To get your organization involved, contact the Stampede office at 970-356-SPUR (7787) or rodeo@greeleystampede.org.

Stampede Riders

For 20 years, "those girls on horses" have entertained crowds at the Greeley Stampede. The Stampede Riders were formed in the spring of 1981 by Hank "Doc" Scheel to represent the Stampede at the area parades and to carry the Gold Spur flag. Since then the Riders have become the "Good Will Ambassadors" for the Stampede, representing the 11-day event all year at parades, rodeos and other functions. The Stampede Riders precision drill team performs at all the rodeos and practice starts in February. The women also usher at all the night show performances, hostess the kick-off banquets, run a concession stand, take part in charity fund-raisers, do PR for the Stampede, and ride in all the area parades year-round. The riders are also proud members of the Wranglers, the volunteer work force for the Stampede.

To get involved with the Stampede Riders contact
Greeley Stampede Office
970-356-SPUR (7787)
rodeo@greeleystampede.org

Wranglers

"Committed to Fun and Getting the Job Done" The Stampede Wranglers originally started as a handful of members in 1977 and has since grown to over 300 active members.

The Greeley Stampede keeps growing year after year so the support needs to grow too! If you are a person that likes to work hard and PLAY hard, and are interested in serving this flagship event and the Greeley community, then you might just be the right person to become a Stampede Wrangler. «more»

Old Buckers

The Old Buckers are former Stampede Committeemen who want to continue to assist the current committee in presenting a bigger and better celebration each year. The Old Buckers' wives, also continue to work in a various capacities for the event. This group of dedicated people serve as hosts at Gold Spur hospitality area before and after each rodeo and night show and welcome special guests, VIPs and Gold Spur partners and sponsors. Others greet and work in the arena taking tickets and ushering at night shows and rodeos, the Stampede Guest Ranch and the Information Gazebo.

The Old Buckers restored a City of Greeley fire truck that has been a popular entry in parades including the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Denver, the Estes Park Christmas Parade, the Stampede/9News Independence Day Parade and parades in surrounding communities. Each member pays dues, but does so to have a great time and support the organization they have grown fond of over the years.