The Sip & Spit Ball Heads to the Arena

The popular Kickoff Banquet for the Stampede Gold Spurs is now open to the public. Last year the banquet was dubbed the "Sip & Spit Ball" with the addition of the Colorado Wine Tasting event. The wine tasting will still be included, along with a great steak dinner, the popular silent and live auctions followed by dancing and live music by Marvin Roberts & the Midnight Rodeo.

This year's evening will be better than ever. Just check out the venue: on the Stampede Arena Floor! That's right, guests will be served wine from Colorado's finest wineries right out of the buckin' chutes and dance where the barrels are placed.

This year's Sip & Spit Ball will be held this Saturday, June 18th in the Stampede Arena! So slip on your boots and head to Island Grove Regional Park for a great time, on the arena floor! The auction and wine-tasting start at 6:00pm and the chutes open for dinner at 7:00pm, live auction at 8:00pm followed by live music and dancing! Make sure you bid often during the silent and live auctions on items like a Brooks & Dunn autographed guitar donated by K99, a custom made William Moore Jeweler diamond pendent valued over $8,000 and other outstanding gifts donated by local businesses.

All proceeds of the Sip & Spit Ball go to the Stampede Foundation's Scholarship Program. Every year, the Stampede Foundation awards over $20,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors from every high school in Weld and Larimer counties. This year, 41 students received financial help towards the college.

Tickets are just $50 per person with advance reservations. Gold Spur partners and sponsors get tickets for half price, so be sure to ask about the Gold Spur program when you call the Stampede office at 800-982-BULL or 356-BULL (local).

Auction item donations are still needed! It's a great way to let the community know your business is here as well as get a tax-deduction at the same time. Contact Mark Tucker at the Stampede office at 970-356-7787 if you would like to donate an item.

The Greeley Independence Stampede is the "World's Largest 4th of July Rodeo & Western Celebration" and a Top 10 Pro Rodeo. 2005 marks the 83rd annual celebration bringing the communities throughout Colorado and Southern Wyoming together. Along with Pro Rodeo and the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour, concert entertainers include Brooks & Dunn, ZZ Top, Montgomery Gentry, LeAnn Rimes, Collin Raye, Dierks Bentley, Chris Cagle, Jimmy Wayne, Kelly Clarkson and more! For ticket or general event information visit the Stampede web site at www.GreeleyStampede.org online or call 800-982-BULL (2855).

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The Greeley Stampede Media Packet is found online at www.GreeleyStampede.org. Click on News/Media, then Media Kit. You will be prompted to enter an email address in order to access all the information about this year�s concert line-up and event. Thanks.