MONTE VISTA—Welcome to the 96th Annual Ski Hi Stampede, Colorado’s “oldest pro rodeo.” Beginning in 1919 the event has been held every year in Monte Vista for nine decades except for two years during World War II.
Every Stampede brings nationally renowned bull riders, country western musicians and a carnival. It has expanded in recent years to include a car show and a street fair. The fun-filled week is a deep San Luis Valley tradition, and travelers from every corner of Colorado and the United States stop in the city to experience one of southern Colorado’s proudest events.
This year will kick off on Wednesday, July 26 with Wright’s Amusement Carnival. The carnival runs during every day of the Ski Hi Stampede. It features great rides, games and food. Wright’s Amusement Carnival is a recipient of the prestigious Outdoor Amusement Business Association Circle of Excellence Award. The carnival brings thrills to all attendees and everyone is guaranteed a smile on their face.
On Thursday night the party kicks up a notch with the annual concert, the first of three dances and the chuckwagon dinner. Before enjoying the concert there is an opportunity to enjoy a great chuckwagon dinner sponsored by the Monte Vista Rotary and Monte Vista Kiwanis. It’s always delicious.
Old Dominion, emerging as one of the hottest breaking bands in country music, will headline this year’s concert. Up and coming trio Runaway June will open the performance. Then be sure to catch the fireworks afterwards.
Following the concert, plan to attend the Stampede dance featuring the music of Durango’s High Rollers. It’s always filled with toe-tapping tunes, cold beer, laughs and friends. In fact, visit the Stampede dance on Friday and Saturday too.
Friday morning will be the first parade in downtown Monte Vista. Every year this parade features local businesses and organizations who decorate colorful floats and entertain the crowd. A favorite is the candy and trinkets thrown from the floats for children and the young at heart to take home. The parade will continue and be bigger and better on Saturday morning. Remember the fun doesn’t stop after the parades. There is a hamburger fry downtown on Friday and Saturday; the Steel Stampede Car Show premiers Saturday at Chapman Park, and don’t miss the pancake breakfast early on Saturday at the Kids Connection. Also, be sure to stop by the local businesses to experience the full Stampede.
Of course the point of Stampede is the rodeo. This is no ordinary small town rodeo. This is an official Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event. Running Saturday through Sunday the events bring nationally recognized bull riders, rodeo announcer and rodeo clowns. The cowboys compete in several events such as barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, and more. The bulls are rough and tough, the cowboys resilient, the clowns are hilarious and it’s great family fun.
Enjoy the 96th Annual Ski Hi Stampede and enjoy Monte Vista!