MONTE VISTA – Preparations for the annual Ski-Hi Stampede are underway, just a little sooner than usual. Everything kicks off on July 11 and runs through July 14. That’s right, what usually takes place at the end of July, is sooner this year.
The Stampede Committe made the announcement following last year’s event, with the goal of drawing more professionals to the PRCA rodeo the Ski-Hi Complex in Monte Vista.
Wright’s Amusements will be here beginning on Wednesday, July 10. The carnival will be in town for five days, complete with adventure-filled rides, tasty treats, fun-filled games, and much more.
On Thursday, July 11, the annual Rotary Chuck Wagon Dinner will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. right before the big kickoff concert.
This year Country Music Hall of Fame member Wynonna Judd is headlining the concert on July 11 at 7:30 p.m. Wynonna is world renowned and known both as a solo artist and duet artist with her beautiful late mother, Naomi Judd. They were known on stage as The Judds.
According to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, Naomi and Wynonna formed one of the most successful duos in country music history, recording 14 number one singles between 1984 to 1989. The Judds recorded many memorable songs such as, “Momma He’s Crazy,” “Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain,” “Give a Little Love,” and “Grandpa,” along with one of their most notable song’s, “Love Can Build a Bridge.” Due to unexpected illness, Naomi retired in 1991, and in 1992, Wynonna made her debut as a solo artist and released many more successful albums.
Max McNown, a singer and songwriter from Bend, Ore., is the opener for Wynonna.
Stick around for the after-concert dance featuring the Justin Kemp Band, who will also perform nightly following the rodeo action on July 12 and 13 beginning at 9 p.m.
Friday night Colorado’s oldest PRCA rodeo returns to town, and brings all the thunder with it, including broncos, roping riders, the ever-popular barrel racers, kids’ mutton busting, and bull riding. There will be rodeo action on July 12 and 13 evenings and July 14 in the afternoon.
Downtown parades will take place July 12 and 13, beginning at 10 a.m. The parades are always filled with colorful floats from local businesses, and plenty of candy and treats are always thrown for all the kiddos and crowds to enjoy.
For more information on specific times and where to get tickets, visit skihistampede.com.