Hundreds of people have come together over the past 100 years to make the Greeley Stampede the family-fun event that people from all over the state look forward to every year. From the staff to the volunteers, to the rodeo clowns, each person who has given their time to the Greeley Stampede deserves to be recognized for the part they've played in helping usher the Greeley Stampede into a new century. Today, we recognize two heroes who have helped the Stampede in two very unique ways – Nyla Bristow, long time rodeo queen and volunteer, and Tom Feller, seasoned rodeo clown.
Nyla Bristow
Since 1976, Nyla Bristow has worn many hats for the Greeley Stampede as Independence Stampede Queen (76-77), Wrangler (since 1977), Former Stampede Rider, Member of the Stampede Foundation, currently serving as President, and the first and only member of the 2021 Stampede Hall of Fame Class. “As the bicentennial was a landmark in 1976 when I was Independence Stampede Queen, the 100th marks another landmark that is exciting to recognize. To know that this celebration has maintained and thrived for that many years is so gratifying,” Bristow says. “The Stampede is a truly unifying multicultural gathering that draws in people from all walks of life!
Tom Feller
Tom Feller, Rodeo Clown, and Barrelman for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), has been a part of the Greeley Stampede since 1977. In 1981, Feller was recognized as the PRCA’s Clown of the Year and selected to work the National Finals Rodeo. Feller was a part of the Greeley Stampede for 13 consecutive years and even came back as a special guest clown for the Stampede’s 75th anniversary, now 25 years ago. When asked what he is looking forward to in the Greeley Stampede’s next 100 years, Feller said: “100 more!"
