Greeley Stampede Begins New Era As The Rocky Mountain Stampede

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2003

Greeley, CO. - The event formerly known as the Greeley Independence Stampede, began a new era today when it announced a name change to the Rocky Mountain Stampede. "The event has grown to a point were it is recognized as a regional and national event... we felt it should be named accordingly," said Stampede Committee Chairman Lew Hagenlock. "We're excited to begin a new era in the event's history."

The event now known as the Rocky Mountain Stampede has a history of name changes since the event was born in the late 1800's, and known as the Spud Days Rodeo. The event remained the Spud Days Rodeo until 1949 when it became Go West With Greeley, an era that lasted until 1971 when the event was again renamed, and known as the Greeley Independence Stampede.

The newly named Rocky Mountain Stampede, based in Greeley's Island Grove Regional Park, draws nearly 450,000 attendees every summer for what has long been know as the "World's Largest 4th of July Rodeo & Western Celebration." The event, although under a new name, will continue to feature one of the world's top Pro Rodeos, country and classic rock music concerts, parades, a demolition derby, carnival midway, food booths, free entertainment, western art show, Colorado wine tasting, food and family fun! The event has enjoyed international acclaim through the International Festivals and Events Association by being the recipient of multiple awards including the Grand Pinnacle-Gold Award, which is the highest honor in the festivals and events industry in 1999, as well as the Grand Pinnacle-Silver Award in 2001. The Stampede is also the recipient of one of the top honors of the tourism industry, the American Bus Association's Top 100 Events in North America, 1998-2002.

The event's organizers are looking forward to beginning a new era with a new name...the Rocky Mountain Stampede.