Since 1928, the Greeley Stampede has recognized individuals for their contributions to the community and Northern Colorado region by selecting them to be Grand Marshals of the event. In the case of this year's Grand Marshals, Jeff and Dayna Bedingfield, giving back and supporting the community runs in the family as they are third generation Marshals. Jeff and Dayna will be continuing the legacy of Larry McArthur (1980) as well as John and Tate Todd (1992).
With a love of Colorado and roots in Greeley, Jeff and Dayna moved to Greeley in 1980 where they quickly became valued members of the community and raised their three daughters. Jeff, originally from Oregon, began practicing law in Greeley in 1982. Soon after, Jeff began doing legal work for the Greeley Stampede and saw the great opportunities that the event held. From 1991-1997, Jeff served on the committee as Gold Spur Chairman, Night Shows Chairman, and eventually General Chairman. During his tenure at the Stampede, Jeff was part of the big 75th Anniversary of the event. "We had an outstanding group of people," Jeff recalled, "during significant growth of the event including renovating the west stands in the arena and adding the recognizable bronc rider statue." Jeff and Dayna both remember how much the Stampede was a part of their and their kids' lives and look forward to the event each year.
Jeff and Dayna remain active within the community by supporting and volunteering their time to many organizatons. Jeff has served on the UNC Foundation and NCMC Inc. boards and chaired the capital fund drive for the Weld Food Bank's new facility. Over the years, Dayna has played significant roles with the performing arts as a board member of the UNC Performing Arts Advisory Board and the Greeley Philharmonic where she eventually became President of the board. Dayna also sang with the Greeley Chorale for many years.
We are proud to have Jeff and Dayna Bedingfield representing the Greeley Stampede as the Grand Marshals. They have done an excellent job keeping up with the family tradition of giving back and supporting the community.