The Cody Stampede will be held as usual during the first weekend of July, officials announced over the weekend.
In an update shared on the Cody Stampede’s website, the rodeo’s board of directors stated that the Cody Nite Rodeo, which begins June 20, would operate under the approved exception to the state health orders and the limits placed on outdoor crowd sizes.
The Cody Nite Rodeo crowds cannot exceed 600 people, according to the exception issued from the Wyoming Department of Health.
But the major announcement came when officials confirmed that the Cody Stampede would be held July 1-4, as it has since 1919.
“Making plans to hold our 101st Annual Stampede Rodeo has been an ongoing and complicated process,” the statement read. “Our decision has considered, first and foremost, the health and safety of our guests, workers and contestants.”
Due to financial considerations, some adjustments have been made for the Stampede, though. Some costs and payments to contestants by the rodeo have been reduced.
The Xtreme Bulls and Bullfighters Only events have been canceled for this year.
The Stampede itself will consist of four performances of a full rodeo instead of five performances that included a bullriding-only event as had been seen in past years.
Performances during the Stampede will feature rodeo clown and barrelman Justin Rumford, bullfighter Dusty Tuckness and specialty act Haley Proctor.
Breakaway roping competitions will be added to barrel racing on the list of professional women’s rodeo events.
The number of available tickets will be limited due to the restrictions set forth for attendance by the state’s exemption.
Tickets for the Stampede are now on sale.
“We appreciate the support and understanding of the community regarding the limited event access this year, which is necessary due to the health orders issued by the State of Wyoming,” the statement read. “Thank you for your patience and understanding. We are grateful to our fans, our sponsors and our local supporters, and we hope to ‘see you at the rodeo!’”
Much speculation has surrounded the Cody Stampede over the last few weeks, after the board announced it would break away from the five other major Wyoming rodeos and not cancel the Cody Nite Rodeo or the Stampede.
