THE Ski Hi Stampede Board of Directors is going all out for the 100th Stampede, beginning with the first pre-Stampede event and dance in two decades.
On Saturday, July 9, at 7 p.m. the Stampede is hosting the BFO, Bullfighters Only event at the Ski Hi Stampede arena. A dance featuring Shotgun Jefferson will follow at 9 p.m.
“Back in the day people always remembered the pre-Stampede dances and those were a lot of fun,” said Eric Kimberling, board member for the Ski Hi Stampede.
He said this weekend’s BFO event is “two weeks before the actual Stampede to get things kicked off and get people excited.” Kimberling describes the BFO as a fast-paced, freestyle form of bullfighting.
The Stampede itself kicks off Thursday, July 21, with the Dwight Yoakam and Josh Abbott Band concert. While reserved seating is selling fast, there are plenty of general admission tickets for the concert.
Then the full Stampede – with the PRCA rodeos, parade, carnival, exhibits and dances – is July 22, 23 and 24.
The 100th Stampede also features a new downtown Monte Vista mural by Bernadette Hagendorf.
“It’s the sky, it’s the clouds and that bronc is bucking in the sky,” said Karla Willschau in describing the new mural. The mural was taken from a 1929 Stampede poster, demonstrating the history and longevity of the San Luis Valley’s largest summer gathering.
Tickets for the BFO and Dance and all Stampede events are available at SkiHiStampede.com.
