Ropin' and Ridin'

Any buckin'-bronc fanatics worth their salt know that the Fourth of July holiday is the biggest and best time of the year for rodeo. And there's a darn good reason that the roughest, toughest names are all appearing at the Greeley Stampede.

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More About

• Fourth of July
• Justin Watada
• The All-American Rejects
• Rodeo
• Fairs and Carnivals

"This is our 85th annual Stampede," explains marketing director Justin Watada. "Last year we had about 441,000 people in a twelve-day celebration. This year is a thirteen-day celebration, and the rodeo remains the backbone of our event."

Today's installment of the pro rodeo is the second day of competition; along with watching the bull riding and steer roping, you can wander the Stampede fairgrounds, which include vendors, carnival rides, a free live entertainment stage and a Kids' Corral featuring an educational live shark show. Over the weekend, concerts by the All-American Rejects, REO Speedwagon and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts take center stage. Parking fees range from $5 to $7 per vehicle, the rodeos cost $6.50 to $20, and the concerts range from $25 to $47. Visit www.greeleystampede.org for more information and a full schedule of events, or call 1-800-982-BULL to purchase tickets.