|
The Greeley Stampede is rich in tradition and heritage dating
back to the late 1800's. This community celebration that was started
to honor local potato farmers, has since grown into an
internationally acclaimed festival attracting close to 450,000
people annually from all parts of the United States and several
foreign countries.
|
 |
 |
Officially christened the Greeley Spud Rodeo in 1922, the event
featured bucking bronc riding, fancy roping, a pie eating contest, a
horse race, motorcycle and bicycle races and a two-mile Model-T Ford
"free for all" race. Estimated attendance in that first official
festival was 2,500 people.
|
|
In an effort to give the event some national recognition the Greeley
Spud Rodeo era ended and, thus, began the age of the "Go West with
Greeley" Rodeo. The name taken from the famous phrase by the city's
name sake, Horace Greeley, who said "Go west young man. Go west."
|
|
The Greeley Independence Stampede entitlement came in 1972 by
means of a community contest and featured: Pro Rodeos; kids rodeo;
country and classic rock concerts; televised July 4th parade, a
demolition derby, carnival midway, western art show, free stage
entertainment, mixed with food and fun galore!
|
 |
|
