By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.

The Western Stampede in West Jordan is an event the community looks forward to every year. Each year thousands of people show up for the  Independence Day celebration. There are many groups who participate in the city’s Independence Day parade, such as dance teams, musicians and local schools.

“2022 marks the 67th year of the West Jordan Stampede. This year would have been our 68 year, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the city to cancel the event in 2020. The first rodeo was held in 1954 when the town’s board president suggested it sponsor a Fourth of July celebration as a community project. Board members agreed to chair different committees and assigned responsibilities to civic organizations and church groups to make the event happen,” said Marie Magers, senior digital communication specialist for West Jordan.

The city of West Jordan welcomes back the Cervi Championship Rodeo for the eighth year.

In 1967 the Cervi family purchased the Beutler Brothers Rodeo Company. In 1974, they acquired the Billy Minick Rodeo Company, which was once owned by the well-known producers Gene Autry and Harry Knight. These two companies were the largest companies in the rodeo business. Cervi became the largest stock contractor in the nation and renamed the company Cervi Championship Rodeo.

“The first Stampede celebration was a success. It included a parade, tug-of-war competition, wild horse race, a dog act, a beard contest, horse pulling and a greased pig chase. The event drew large crowds and loyal fans for years to come.” Magers said.

Rodeo Royalty is a fun part of the Western Stampede. In 2021 Morgan Ivie was the Rodeo Royalty Queen. “I was so shocked, all the other girls did so amazing, I was happy, I was excited. All I could think was how fun it’s going to be this summer to be with my first and second attendants,” Ivie said.

Along with Ivie were her two attendants, first attendant Rylei Voorhees, and second attendant Piper Maxwell. This summer the Western Stampede will announce the new Rodeo Royalty Queen and attendants.

“This event has been a summer staple for our residents for decades. Over the past years the secret has been let out and people from all over the state have joined us for our Independence Day celebration,” Magers said.

“This year we have the Rodeo, a carnival, our Grand Parade, fireworks, food trucks, a 5K, a spikeball tournament and much more. We are so excited to celebrate with the community,” Magers said.

West Jordan applauds the volunteers' time and labor they offer to the rodeo. They help make the Western Stampede and rodeo a success, said Mayor Dirk Burton.

“Like today the first rodeo wouldn’t have been possible without volunteers. Citizens contributed their time, labor and equipment. Volunteers laid cinder blocks for the ticket booth and refreshment stand; others went as far as bringing their own backhoe to help bury pipes for the new bathrooms,” Burton said.

“A lot has changed but many things will stay the same,” he continued. “The Western Stampede events would not be possible without the hardworking people who have a love for their city and for tradition.”  

The Western Stampede has something to offer for everyone, activities for the whole family to enjoy.

The Stampede is located at the West Jordan Arena, 8125 S. 2200 W. and runs July 1-4. Information for tickets and event details can be found at westernstampede.com.