112th Silver State Stampede Rodeo
July 12, 13, & 14th, 2024
Elko County Fairgrounds
Submitted by Julie Gabrielson
Photos by WT Bruce
The Silver State Stampede is western entertainment at its best with a rich history of attendance by professional cowboys and cowgirls. With over $120,000 in added money and growing steadily each year, this is a rodeo you don’t want to miss! Offering PRCA sanctioned events, WPRA Women’s Barrel Racing, Mutton Busting, Mini-Bulls, a trade show, the crowd favorite Ring of Fear, and more!
The Silver State Stampede is the oldest rodeo in Nevada, tied for the 12th Oldest Rodeo in the Nation, and voted “Best Small Rodeo” in the Wilderness Circuit multiple times! The tradition of Elko’s annual rodeo started in 1912 when GS Garcia, the world-famous bit, spur, and saddle maker, decided that northern Nevada cowboys needed a rodeo, and the town needed the added entertainment and income. Today’s Stampede has grown into a multi-faceted event, showcasing the best of rodeo. To learn more about the history of the Silver State Stampede, you can purchase our book, 100 years of the Silver State Stampede, at the Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum in Elko, NV. https://cowboyartsandgearmuseum.org/
In addition to the $15,000 added money, per event, Cowboys and Cowgirls have a shot at winning the famous and exclusive Garcia Spurs and a Henry .22 rifle for the Nevada High Point Cowboy and Cowgirl.
The Silver State Stampede Trade Show features cowboy gear, western art, furniture, books, quilts, clothing, jewelry, and more! Several unique Silver State Stampede souvenirs are also available, including t-shirts, caps, and commemorative posters.
Once the trade show closes and the arena events end, the after-party kicks off with a live band, dancing, and fully stocked bar.
In 2020, The Silver State Stampede began a new tradition when it had the opportunity to broadcast on national television with The Cowboy Channel and Cowboy Channel +App. We are excited to continue this partnership for years to come. The Cowboy Channel provides viewers all over the world the opportunity to watch over 350 PRCA rodeo performances, The Wrangler NFR, and many Cowboy Channel originals.
Silver State Stampede Week will kick off on July 6th in downtown Elko with the Stars, Stripes and Spurs parade featuring many Elko businesses and non-profits traveling the standard parade route through downtown Elko. This year’s Grand Marshal is Jan Petersen who was one of the authors of the 100 years of the Silver State Stampede book.
Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. the slack performance will begin with all the contestants who are not selected to participate during the evening performances. Slack is free to attend and showcases some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the World.
Thursday night, Eli Young Band will kick start Stampede weekend with the Stampede Kickoff Concert! Tickets can be purchased at stampedeconcert.com
For details on this year’s event, including ticket sales, schedule of activities, and sponsorship, visit www.silverstatestampede.com.