Colorado’s Oldest Pro Rodeo is celebrating its 98th Anniversary in 2019. The San Luis Valley Ski Hi Stampede will return to Monte Vista July 25-28. Described as having “roots as deep as the San Luis Valley itself,” the event continues to be a key feature of the Professional Rodeo landscape in Colorado and beyond.

Founded in 1919, the Ski Hi Stampede has continued for nine decades with two years deducted during WWII. According to old newspaper reports, the first Stampede was held on August 11-13, 1919 with more than 10,000 attending the event. Since that time, the Ski Hi Stampede has received four nominations for PRCA Small Rodeo of the Year and has come to be recognized as a mainstay of San Luis Valley history and culture.

The annual Stampede festivities feature a kick-off concert, three performances of PRCA rodeo, a carnival, parades and dances. The event continues to gain in popularity and remains the premier event of the summer for the San Luis Valley.

The Stampede concert attracts the largest crowds in the Valley and has featured numerous high-profile county music artists including Josh Turner, Thomas Rhett, and Old Dominion. Over the years, icons such as Chris LeDoux and the Charlie Daniels Band have also made stops in Monte Vista. The 2019 concert is set to feature Randy Houser and Walker Hayes.

The Ski Hi Stampede also provides opportunities for the SLV community. Those opportunities include the chance for local amateurs to compete for trophy saddles in Team Roping, Tie-Down Roping and Barrel Racing. Furthermore, the Stampede Committee partners with Adams State University to provide scholarships to local students who demonstrate community involvement. The event is relatively unique in that it features a variety of entertainment choices and remains a social gathering that families have been know to return to annually.

The tradition of is Stampede is expected to continue well into the future with no signs of slowing down. It has been hailed as a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together.