The Cody Stampede Rodeo 2015 ran from July 1 to July 4 in the community deemed the “Rodeo Capital of the World” However, the excitement continues, as the Nite Rodeo spans from June 1 to August 31, which gives Pro Rodeo athletes, amateurs and PRCA fans the chance to compete in a number of scheduled events. 2015 represents the 96th year that Cody hosted the celebration that features parades and rodeos. The Nite Rodeo has been a special ongoing feature for 77 years. The Cody Stampede Rodeo 2015 is the longest running PRCA event, and the Nite Rodeo is the only event of its kind in the country.
High Stakes
During the first week in July the Cody Stampede Rodeo 2015 attracted more than 800 contestants who competed in a series of events in hopes of winning more than $400,000 in prizes. The contest continues with the Wrangler Champions Challenge, which pits the top 88 athletes against one another in a series of final events that culminates in winnings of almost $125,000. The Cody/Yellowstone Xtreme Bulls event remains one of the most dangerous and popular. Approximately 40 of the most talented bull riders from around the world come face-to-face with some of the toughest bulls in the industry to win a monies totaling more than $15,000.
PRCA Events
Nearly 300,000 Pro Rodeo fans venture to Stampede Park every year to watch the spectacular PRCA events that culminate in the Wrangler Champions Challenge. In addition to the ever heart-stopping Cody/Yellowstone Xtreme Bulls competition, the Pro Rodeo contests include:
- Bareback bronc riding
- Barrel racing
- Calf roping
- Saddle bronc riding
- Steer wrestling
- Team Roping
History of the Cody Stampede Rodeo 2015
More than a century ago, Buffalo Bill thrilled fans with his Wild West Show. Tryouts for the presentation were held in what is now the Stampede Park parking lot. Though Buffalo Bill passed away in 1917, two years later, Clarence Williams led efforts to establish an annual Cody event that would carry on the tradition of Western sports and entertainment. Initial events took place at the end of June. However, Cody Stampede president Caroline Lockhart rescheduled the competition to coincide with 4th of July celebrations. Originally, competitions were followed nightly with music, dancing and gambling until Carly Downing introduced the Nite Rodeo in 1938. The event served to provide cowboys with the chance to earn extra money. Competitions eventually evolved into the Wrangler Champions Challenge and the Cody/Yellowstone Xtreme Bulls.
Cody Stampede 2015 Official Press Releases
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Jodi ErpeldingI grew up on a Midwest farm with dirt under my fingernails and the sound of wind rustling through cornfields. My childhood was all about 4H – raising pigs and horses, learning to bake and sew, and discovering the magic of transforming a garden into jars of summer sunshine. Those years taught me the value of hard work, the thrill of seeing a project through to the end, and the simple joy of creating something beautiful. A country girl with a need for speed and a thirst for adventure. Maybe that's why I love the feeling of wind in my hair – whether I'm cruising down a dusty road on my Harley or tackling a mountain trail on my trusty mountain bike. Some of my earliest memories of rodeo are watching my father compete at small local events. That's also where my love for country music comes in – long car rides listening to 8 tracks. The lyrics and melodies always spoke to my soul. These days, you'll find me cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls at rodeos, two-stepping to my favorite bands, belting out a country tune at a concert or sharing stories and laughter with friends around a bonfire. When I'm not soaking up the country life and getting my boots dirty, I'm a nurse, caring for folks in my community. Follow along for more stories from the heart of rodeo and country life!
