The Snake River Stampede Rodeo, located in Nampa, Idaho, is one of the top twelve professional rodeos recognized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The rodeo is held for one week in late July every year. In 2009, the rodeo is being held from July 14 to July 18. There are many community events which help kick-off the rodeo week.
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The Snake River Stampede had its humble beginnings as a bucking contest in conjunction with Nampa's harvest festival. The bucking contest was added to the harvest festival in 1913. An area was roped off for the contest on the present site of the Nampa Post Office. Spectators watched from behind the ropes, as there were no bleachers. The bucking contest gained in popularity, and other events were added to the show.
By 1937, the rodeo broke away from the harvest festival, changing the date of the show to July. At this time, the rodeo joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. A new name was chosen. After considering such names as Ski-Hi Rodeo and Thunder Mountain Round Up, rodeo director Ike Corlett named it the Snake River Stampede.
In 1950, a new stadium was built across from Lakeview Park. The horseshoe shaped outdoor stadium could seat 10,000. Cowboy singers were brought in to sing at half-time, during the rodeo. Gene Autry was the first of such singers. He was followed by others, such as Roy Rogers & Dale Evans, Rex Allen, and the Sons of the Pioneers.
The era of Cowboy stars died out and Country/Western Singers were added to the lineup. Performers included Reba McEntire, Glen Campbell and Barbara Mandrell.
During the 1980s, singers were replaced by more rodeo events, such as team roping, ladies' barrel racing, and bullfighting. Kids' Mutton Busting was added in the 1990s.
In 1997, a brand new indoor stadium was built in conjunction with the Idaho Center just off exit 38 on Interstate 84. The old stadium was demolished. The site is now home to The Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho and Snake River Elementary School.
There are many popular events to kick-off the week of the Snake River Stampede. These events are designed to create enthusiasm among residents to see the rodeo. They also create a sense of community in the city.