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TBT: 97 years ago the Greeley Stampede was a rodeo to honor potato farmers

Now in its 97th year, the Greeley Stampede began as the Greeley Spud Rodeo in 1922
Credit: Greeley Stampede
(Photo: Greeley Stampede)

GREELEY - The Greeley Stampede has been an annual community celebration since 1922.

However, it hasn't always been the days-long festival with massive concerts, popular rodeos, and an extensive carnival that attracts more than 250,000 people to Northern Colorado. The Stampede's roots are much more humble.

In 1922, the Greeley Spud Rodeo was organized to honor local potato farmers.

The event included bronc riding, fancy roping, a pie eating contest, a horse race, motorcycle and bicycle races and a two-mile Model-T Ford race. About 2,500 people attended.

Eventually, the Spud Rodeo became the "Go West with Greeley" Rodeo, a name change that was meant to bring more national attention to the event.

By 1972, the event began looking a lot more like it does today. Called the Greeley Independence Stampede, it had pro and kids rodeos, concerts, a Fourth of July parade, a demolition derby, a carnival and a western art show.

This year will mark the 97th Annual Greeley Stampede.

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