What began as a local tradition to honor potato farmers in the late 1800s has now evolved into an internationally acclaimed event that attracts over 250,000 people annually, both internationally and from across the country. In 1922 the event was officially named The Greeley Spud Rodeo, featuring bronc riding, horse racing, a pie-eating contest, fancy roping, and motorcycle racing. Transforming over the years the festival got its namesake “The Greeley Independence Stampede” in 1972 and now features a PRCA Rodeo, an American Bullfighting Event, The Big Buckle Ball (which benefits the Greeley Stampede Foundation), a Demolition Derby, 4th of July Parade, Concerts, large carnival, western art show and more. Focused on hosting and organizing events that support the Northern Colorado Community, celebrating our nation’s independence, and the preservation of our Western Heritage, The Stampede is celebrating its 101st Birthday this year.
An event not just focused on the town of Greeley but on the community of Northern Colorado as a whole, it brings people from all walks of life together, to remind us of where we come from, to celebrate our freedom, and to honor our traditions and way of life. A chance to show the world who we are as a community and to showcase the things that make us unique.
That spirit of partnership and alliance lifts the entire region and showcases not only Western heritage and who we are, but it highlights the teamwork and relationships that make where we are from and live so special. In honoring that sense of collaboration and unity, we decided to get together with some of our favorite makers, boutiques, and local women to feature the styles, sponsors, and businesses that are a part of putting together Northern Colorado’s largest rodeo!
Our amazing group of women included local Northern Colorado Business Owners, Stampede Committee member spouses, plus Big 97.9 and iHeartMedia’s very own Tina Martinez (make sure to check her feature piece in this issue as well)
Pairing up with our sister magazine Greeley City Lifestyle, we set out to create a Stampede Style Feature. Our aim was to give you some ideas of local makers, boutiques, and businesses to meet all your Stampede-style needs. Two of our local Windsor boutique owners Megan Stizman (Country Glitz Boutique located at 1357 Water Valley Parkway Unit 200) and Kaeleen Lane (Coast to Coast Styles located at 821 Main St), not only modeled but also styled several Stampede-worthy outfits for our rockstar women to showcase. We were lucky enough to be hosted by Greeley Hat Works and owner Trent Johnson, who made sure every woman modeling had an amazing one-of-a-kind hat to complete their outfits. If you have ever wanted a hat that speaks to the individuality that, is you, then Trent Johnson and his team at Greeley Hat Works is the place to go!
Some of the major media partners for the event include Big 97.9, and iHeartMedia. Scott & Sadie in the Morning help lead the media partnership and so does Tina, iHeartMedia’s Sr. Brand Partnerships Executive. “There is a deep sense of pride, unity, and honor that comes with the history of The Stampede. What started as a rodeo event has turned into so much more. Justin Watada and his team continue to put on an amazing festival, all while keeping so many traditions alive.”
Leading with a sense of pride, heritage, and appreciation for the American West, we hope to inspire you to support your community and celebrate this amazing place we get to call home!
For more information and official Greeley Stampede tickets visit greeleystampede.org