Cody Stampede Rodeo
Written By: Sarah Reish
What can we say other than this is one of our favorite places to be on the 4th of July. Cody is the Rodeo Capital of the World and home to some amazing traditions and events that make it the place you want to be for this upcoming Independence Day! So, let’s dive into the history and what you can look forward to.
Photo By: Donna Bryan
Photo By: Donna Bryan
The History
Long before the town was founded in 1896, the people living around the Cody area participated in their own unofficial “rodeo” competitions. The Buffalo Bill Wild West Show ended with its final parade and rodeo in 1913 where they hosted the Prince of Monaco. The finale show included a parade and rodeo. In 1919 Clarence Williams became the driving force behind founding an event that celebrated Cody, who passed away in 1917, and from that was born the Stampede Rodeo and Parade. It has continued uninterrupted for over 100 years. This year celebrates the 83rd year of the Cody Nite Rodeo and the 102 anniversary for the Cody Stampede Rodeo.
What it Looks Like Today
Cody is rodeo and the Cody Nite Rodeo is an important part of what makes the Stampede so amazing. With a nightly rodeo a fundamental part of what named Cody the rodeo capital of the world, the Stampede is the annual week long celebration that becomes the icing on the cake. The week is filled with three parades, the Stampede Parade is lead by the Marine Mountain Color Guard (the only one in the US), 5 rodeos from the PRCA circuit, and free entertainment at City Park. Cody, Wyoming knows how to celebrate their cowboy culture and America. End your 4th of July with an impressive fireworks display funded by donations from the community.
Photo By: Cody Stampede Committee
Photo By: Cody Stampede Committee
Schedule
Here is what’s happening. This years theme is Cody Legends & Unsung Heroes. The legendary parade can take up to 2 hours featuring 125 entries and roughly 1,200 - 1,300 individuals participating. It is fun for all ages and includes 5 marching bands from across the state, floats, military, horses, and so much more.
June 30th kicks off with
Xtreme Kickoff Event from 1 pm - 3 pm at the W Arena 2631 HWY 120 Cody, Wyoming
Admission $10
Live Music with Austin Wahlert
Meet the bull riders and bull fighters
Food/drink venders and a bar
Jonah Prill concert outside the rodeo grounds at 6:45 pm
Stampede PRCA circuit with Xtreme Bull-riding 8 pm
July 1st
Stampede PRCA Rodeo
July 2nd
Kiddie Parade - downtown Cody 10 am
Stampede PRCA Rodeo
July 3rd
Stampede Rodeo Parade - downtown Cody 9:30
Stampede PRCA Rodeo
July 4th
Stampede Rodeo Parade - downtown Cody 9:30
City Park entertainment - All day
Stampede PRCA Rodeo 8 pm
Fireworks 10 pm
Photo By: Cody Stampede Committee
Photo By: Cody Stampede Committee
The Details
Here is what you need to know about the rodeo and parades.
Stampede Parades begin at 9:30 am on July 2 & 3
FREE
Watch the parade downtown on Sheridan Ave
Stampede Rodeos every night with gates opening at 7 pm and rodeo beginning at 8 pm
No outside food or beverage
No knives or guns
Drinking in designated licensed areas only
No overnight parking
Catch the Rodeo Bus at designated stops
For more information visit the Stampede Rodeo website or contact the office at 307-587-5155
Hit the Road!
Celebrate the 4th like never before! This historic event is all about nostalgia, the wild west, and America. If you make it to the Cody Stampede Rodeo week be sure to post your photos on social media and tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld