History of Western Stampede
Rodeos have been a part of West Jordan’s history for nearly 80 years; no ifs, ands or bucks about it. If you’re along for the ride, it’s just about time to hoof it to Western Stampede 2024 where there’s barrels of fun to be had.
In the late 1930’s, rodeos were held as 4-H Club projects. The first adult amateur rodeo for local riders was held in 1950 using two temporary sets of chutes. High school rodeo clubs became popular with intensive competition among valley schools.
In the early 1950s, the town board was determined to establish a community park, and bleachers were one of the first permanent structures. In 1954, town board president Marv Jenson suggested the board sponsor a 4th of July event to help pay for the new bleachers. Celebration activities on July 3rd and 5th included a parade, tug of war, a beard contest, rodeo, a Ute Indian parade in full dress, a Ute Indian sun dance, a wild horse race, a dog act, bareback riding, a crazy car act, brahma bull riding, clowns, calf , steer decorating, a horse pulling contest, a dunking machine, a greased pig chase, and a greased pole to climb as well as the usual games and tournaments.
A stockade was built to enforce a town board proclamation that all men needed a beard for the occasion. The celebration’s motto was: “If you’re slick on the chin, they’ll run you in.” Ernest (“Pat”) Anderson, won the beard contest and received an electric razor. Upon winning he exclaimed, “It itched terribly.”
The event was a community success, but a financial flop.
The town continued to search for ways to pay for the park rodeo grounds through bonds, community volunteer labor and local leader loans. By 1960, the park was 30.9 acres, had arena seating for 4,000, and had nationally-televised boxing events.
There’s been a rodeo nearly every year since 1959, along with parades, carnivals, tractor-pulling contests, demolition derbys and square dancing. The name “Western Stampede” appeared in the 80s, when the West Jordan Stampede Committee, a group appointed by the city, planned and conducted the 4th of July events.
This year will be no different. There is something for everyone. Bingo, carnival rides, fireworks, food trucks, a classic rodeo and a modern drone show. Come get covered in some cowboy glitter (aka dirt!) and don’t buck this West Jordan tradition.