Snake River Stampede Rodeo facts for kids

The Snake River Stampede is a super exciting rodeo that happens every year in Nampa, Idaho. It's one of the top twelve professional rodeos in the whole country! The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) recognizes it as one of the best. This amazing event takes place for five days in the third week of July. Lots of fun community events happen before the rodeo even starts. The Snake River Stampede was even added to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2014 because it's so important!

History of the Stampede

The Snake River Stampede started in a small way. It began as a bucking contest in 1913. This contest was part of Nampa's yearly harvest festival. People called it the "Rodeo and Buck Show."

The bucking contest happened in an area roped off near where the Nampa Post Office is today. People watched from behind the ropes because there were no seats. The bucking contest became very popular. Soon, more events were added to the show.

By 1937, the rodeo became its own event. It moved from the autumn harvest festival to July. At this time, the rodeo joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. A new name was needed! After thinking about names like Ski-Hi Rodeo, the director, Ike Corlett, chose "Snake River Stampede."

In 1950, a new stadium was built for the rodeo. It was on Garrity Boulevard. This outdoor stadium was shaped like a horseshoe. It could hold 10,000 people! Famous cowboy singers came to perform during the rodeo's half-time. Gene Autry was the first, followed by stars like Roy Rogers & Dale Evans.

Later, country music stars took over from the cowboy singers. Performers like Reba McEntire and Glen Campbell sang for the crowds.

In the 1980s, the rodeo added more exciting events. These included team roping, ladies' barrel racing, and bullfighting. In the 1990s, kids' mutton busting was added, which is super fun to watch!

A brand new indoor stadium was built in 1997. It's part of the Ford Idaho Center. The old 1950 stadium was taken down. Now, the Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho is on that spot. The area where the old stadium's parking lot was is now Snake River Elementary School.

The Stampede has taken breaks a few times. It didn't happen in 1917–18, 1942–45, and 2020.

Community Fun Before the Rodeo

Before the main rodeo week, there are many fun events. These are called Snake River Days. They get everyone excited for the rodeo! They also help build a strong sense of community in Nampa.

• Buckaroo Breakfast
• Rodeo Parade
• Equestrian Drill Team Competition

Events Before the Main Show

These events happen right before the big rodeo performances.

• Rope & Run
• Slack Competition
• Mutton busting
• Miss Rodeo Idaho Competition
• Calf Scramble Scholarship Endowment
• Equestrian Drill Teams
• Snake River Stampeders - Night Light Equestrian Drill Team

Main Rodeo Events

These are the exciting events you'll see at the Snake River Stampede!

• Saddle Bronc
• Steer Wrestling
• Steer Roping
• Bareback Bronc Riding
• Saddle Bronc Riding
• Team Roping
• Barrel Racing
• Bull Riding