Omak, Washington mark your calendars because the 87th Annual Omak Stampede is kicking off on August 12th-15th, 2021. Come make memories with your loved ones and soak in all the western heritage with tons of entertainment that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
Situated in the heart of cattle country was a small western town called Omak, Washington. In Omak there lived two Okanogan Country stockmen, Tim Bernard and Leo Moomaw who had a dream, they started a rodeo string in 1932. In 1933 that rodeo became the Omak Stampede. A lineup of world champion cowboys participated in the stampede, Stub Bathlemay, Norman Stewart, Bert Evans, Ralph Sutton, Henty Michel, Johnny Tubbs, and Floyd Cook. The rules for riding were a little different, to begin with since the present-day Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association was not formed until 1936. Before 1936 it was called the Cowboy’s Turtle Association which the rules were set into place by the sponsors, cowboys, and contractors of the rodeo. Throughout time, Omak Stampede has grown and continues to grow each year. It is known for being the most respected and largest rodeo in the Northwest.
Official events of the rodeo include bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, and team roping. There also will be the World Famous Suicide Race which riders and horses race 225 feet down the bluff to the Okanogan River. Once to the river they wade or swim across and then run 500 yards to the finish line which is in the center of the Stampede arena. There will be more fun activities such as specialty acts, a parade of flags, the grand parade, Davis Shows Carnival, Wrangler’s Kid Night, Western & Native Art Show, Rodeo Dances, vendor row, and the Omak Stampede “Company Store”. There will be bullfighters, Erick Schwindt and Logan Blasdell to keep the adrenaline pumping. As well as rodeo clown, JJ Harrison to keep a smile on your face as well as the laughter flowing.
Come experience the Native American culture at the Indian Encampment & Pow Wow. This event is sponsored by the Colville Confederated Tribes and is held at the Omak Stampede Grounds. The event features dancing, drumming, and singing competitions, stick games, a Native American game of chance, and an authentic teepee village. This event is full of sacred traditions, beauty, and grace of the Native American culture.
The time is now folks, purchase your tickets today and get ready to make some lifelong memories with your loved ones at the Omak Stampede. You can purchase your tickets online here. We’ll see you there!
Last Updated on 08/01/2021 by Megan deFabry
About the Author:
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
