What is the Greeley Stampede?
The Greeley Stampede is rich in tradition and heritage dating back to the late 1800s. This community celebration that was started to honor local potato farmers, has grown into an internationally acclaimed festival attracting more than 250,000 people annually from the United States and internationally.
Officially christened the Greeley Spud Rodeo in 1922, the event featured bucking bronc riding, fancy roping, a pie eating contest, a horse race, motorcycle and bicycle races and a two-mile Model-T Ford “free for all” race. Estimated attendance at that first official festival was 2,500 people.
In an effort to give the event some national recognition the Greeley Spud Rodeo era ended and, thus, began the age of the “Go West with Greeley” Rodeo. The name taken from the famous phrase by the city’s name sake, Horace Greeley, who said “Go west young man. Go west.”
The Greeley Independence Stampede entitlement came in 1972 by means of a community contest and featured pro rodeos, kids rodeo, country and classic rock concerts, televised Fourth of July parade, demolition derby, carnival midway, western art show, free stage entertainment and it was all mixed with food and fun galore!
Today, the Greeley Stampede encompasses a plethora of community-focused events throughout the year such as golf tournaments, community concerts, and youth stick horse rodeos. The large, summer celebration typically spans 12 days tied to the 4th of July and sees an average of 250,000 visitors in attendance.
What should I know about getting around Greeley?
95% (or so) roads in Greeley are either ‘Streets’ or ‘Avenues’. Streets run east and west, Avenues run north and south. And they can be named the same – there is both an 11th Ave and 11th St, for example.
Is there somewhere close I can restock my cooler?
There is a liquor store within walking distance of the dorm. Gordon’s Liquor is 2 blocks south on 11th Ave.
What if I forgot to pack something or want to buy some snacks for my suite?
Check the supply pantry first (exact location will be determined, but will be in the dorm).
Otherwise, two blocks south from the dorms is University Square on 11th Ave – a basic strip mall with King Soopers (grocery store), Ace Hardware, Dollar Tree and a few others. If you need something more, Walmart is 3 miles away at 3103 23rd Ave.
What are my options for medical care?
We have a few nurses in the family and will have basic first aid supplies on site.
Call 911 for major emergencies, North Hall address is 2253 11th Avenue.
Call 970-351-2245 to reach the UNC Police Department non-emergency line.
Hospital: Banner Health Center: 1801 16th St.
Urgent Care: Banner Urgent Care: 2015 35th Ave
What else is there to do in Greeley?
We have lots of fun things planned to encourage cousin time on campus, see tentative schedule here : LINK
But if you are arriving early, staying late, or otherwise want to explore, here are a few things to consider:
Colorado Railroad Museum
One of our cool offerings in Greeley is this train museum. We actually have people come from all over the country (who are into model trains) to see the museum. One man’s dream was to build a butler building 70×150 with 8 or so model trains running thru well-built model towns, mountains, bridges, etc. It is HUGE and truly amazing.
Poudre River Trail
The biking/walking trail runs along the Cache la Poudre River for 21 miles. If you happened to bring your bikes, (Or want to rent some from UNC (LINK)), this is a great place to get out and ride. River, wildlife, and safe riding on a 10 ‘ wide trail with very few places that cross roads.
Centennial Park Pool
Less than 2 miles from our dorms, Greeley has an outdoor pool with large slide for kids to get out and swim. Hours have yet to be posted yet for the ‘season’ but can be found on the above link.
Distilleries
The reunion will be having a brewery crawl, but there are 2 distilleries in town and along the pub crawl route – if something a bit more potent is what you crave.
477 Distilling located at 825 9th St Unit B in downtown Greeley. Website
Syntax Spirits Located at 700 6th St, also in downtown Greeley. Website