CODY STAMPEDE RODEO
Cody is the "Rodeo Capitol of the World." From the turn of the century, rodeos and parades have been part of the 4th of July here in Cody, Wyoming. Officially starting in 1919, the Cody Stampede Rodeo has been held every summer. This event established Cody as the only place in the country that has a rodeo performance nightly. The Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association named the Cody Stampede "Best Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year" in 1998 & 1999. In 2001 the Cody Nite Rodeo was nominated for "Best Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year."
Rodeo's history in Cody started over one hundred years ago with Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show. Buffalo Bill was quick to recognize the fascination the public had for the Wild West. Tryouts for the Wild West Show were held right behind the Irma (Buffalo Bill’s Historical Hotel). Theses rodeos, tryouts and parades were common although the Wild West show itself was never formally held in Cody. In 1913, Buffalo Bill closed his Wild West Show for the last time. That summer he hosted one last parade and rodeo in Cody for the Prince of Monaco, Albert 1st. Buffalo Bill passed away in 1917, ending a fascinating chapter in the story of the American West. His hotel, The Irma, remains one of Cody’s most important historical witness of his time.