Behind the Scenes

Few events capture the heart of a community quite like the Greeley Stampede. Rooted in tradition and pulsing with energy, the Stampede is a cornerstone of summer in Northern Colorado—a place where memories are made, legacies are honored, and the spirit of the West comes alive.

This signature celebration isn’t pulled off by accident; it takes an immense amount of coordination and dedication from a committed team that includes a full-time staff, an engaged committee, and over 300 volunteers who give their time and talents to make it all happen.

In the pages that follow, we step behind the curtain to spotlight eight men serving in a variety of roles—each playing a vital part in the coordination, passion, and purpose that fuels this iconic celebration. Among the many people who contribute to the Greeley Stampede, these men represent a powerful cross-section of leadership, tradition, and hands-on dedication.

Justin Watada, the Stampede’s CEO, has been at the helm since 2015, guiding operations with a calm, steady approach and a deep respect for the legacy of the event. Jesse Leos, serving as the Committee General Chairman, brings nearly a decade of involvement and a passion for mentoring the next generation of volunteers. His journey began volunteering with the beverage team, and now, he leads a 10-member volunteer committee that makes critical decisions throughout the year.

Tracy Damrell, the Greeley Stampede Foundation Chairman, ensures that education remains at the heart of the Stampede by championing scholarships for local students—planting seeds of opportunity that will grow long after the dust of each summer has settled. His reason for giving his time is simple: "We’re making a difference in the lives of kids and ensuring the Stampede is around for another 100 years." Kevin McFarling, the Marketing Manager, is one of the full-time staff members who ensures that the public hears the Stampede’s story. As a Greeley native, Kevin has a genuine enthusiasm for the event, connecting the Stampede to the community year-round.

The impact of volunteerism is powerfully embodied by men like Tracy Golightly, the Trailboss for Grounds—he oversees the preparation and maintenance of the grounds during the event, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely. As a longstanding volunteer, his experience and dedication make him an integral part of the Stampede, contributing to its success in countless ways. Tracy has been involved since 2013 and leads with humility, always quick to give credit to others.

Aaron Lichtenberg, named the 2024 Wrangler Volunteer of the Year, represents the best of the volunteer spirit. Born into the tradition, with both parents deeply rooted in the event, Aaron’s connection to the Stampede is undeniable. Last year, he became the youngest person to receive the prestigious Wrangler Top Hand award, a true reflection of his passion and dedication to the event. With 10 years under his belt, Aaron has served in nearly every capacity possible, showing up wherever he’s needed with a smile. James Herman, a past committee member, now known as an Old Bucker, has been a fixture of the Stampede since 1974. His decades-long connection to the event is rooted in family tradition, civic pride, and the simple joy of being part of something bigger than himself.

Lastly, this year’s Grand Marshal (alongside Kelly Quick), Ron Wildeman, has contributed to the Stampede for over 20 years in a range of roles. When asked why he’s remained involved so long, Ron shared, “It’s the people. You build relationships here that last a lifetime.” Each of these men brings not only their title, but also a personal purpose that fuels their commitment to the event and to the community it celebrates.

Behind the scenes, the effort to make the Greeley Stampede a success is far more complex than some might imagine. For these dedicated men, it’s not just about showing up for the event itself; it’s about months of planning, preparation, and an unyielding commitment to the community. From Tracy Damrell’s commitment to education through the Foundation’s scholarships to Aaron Lichtenberg’s role in the Wrangler volunteer program, every detail is attended to with a level of precision that is often invisible to the public.

"The work that goes into preparing the grounds, maintaining them during the event, and ensuring everything is set up just right requires a lot of behind-the-scenes coordination," Aaron says. Jesse Leos also speaks to the massive coordination required for the event, which includes overseeing the many moving parts that ensure a seamless experience. "It's not just about showing up on the day of the event; it's about ensuring that all of our volunteers are trained, the infrastructure is in place, and the logistics are sorted months in advance," he says.

While the public sees the exciting moments—the rodeo, concerts, and carnival—what’s often unnoticed is the preparation and adjustments that happen behind the scenes. The work of this team involves constant communication, problem-solving, and dedication to fine-tuning every element of the Stampede, whether it's securing sponsors, organizing events, or getting the right resources to make it all happen.

James Herman, in his own way, reflects on how every job—no matter how small—contributes to the overall experience. "You might not always get noticed, but that’s part of the job," James shares. "It’s about ensuring everything is perfect so the event goes off without a hitch. Whether it’s setting up equipment or making sure the grounds are secure, it all matters."

When looking at the lasting impact of these volunteers, one thing becomes clear: the Greeley Stampede is not just an event but a tradition passed down through generations. The work the team puts in year after year is the foundation of that tradition. "It has been an honor to be a part of this for so long,” said Ron Wildeman. “I’ve seen this event grow, and I’m proud to be a part of something that brings so many people together.”

The shared motivation among the Greeley Stampede team stems from something greater than just event logistics—it’s the sense of purpose and legacy that drives them. Whether it’s the excitement of seeing the community come together or the pride in contributing to an event that has been part of Greeley’s culture for over a century, they return year after year because of the deeper satisfaction it provides.

"Being part of something this big, where we can create an experience that people look forward to, it’s rewarding every time," says Justin Watada, underscoring the powerful impact this event has on both the volunteers and the community. The sense of pride these men carry isn’t just about the work; it’s about creating something that will endure for future generations.

As the Greeley Stampede prepares for its next chapter, the dedication and passion of volunteers and staff members will continue to guide the event's evolution. Each year, they bring fresh ideas and perspectives, while also honoring the traditions that have made the Stampede such a significant part of the community. Everyone’s efforts ensure that the Stampede will continue to thrive, with each person contributing in a way that enhances the overall experience. Their work leaves a lasting impact—not just on the event, but on the entire community.

It’s a powerful reminder of the value of volunteerism and how every hour spent working behind the scenes helps shape the culture of Northern Colorado. For anyone looking to join this incredible effort, whether through volunteering, committee work, or full-time involvement, the Greeley Stampede is always eager to welcome new faces. Visit GreeleyStampede.org and click on the "Get Involved" tab to learn more.

"There’s so much happening behind the scenes and we’re proud of the passion and dedication that fuels every step of the process." - Justin Watada