The 76th Annual Ute Stampede

Some of you might now know this, but I LOVE attending the Ute Stampede. It is a traditional small town celebration and if I am being completely honest, Juab County (Nephi) does this one right. There are so many different activities going on during the week, I think it would e difficult to not find something to do. Three days and nights filled with Craft fairs, car shows,carnival, golf tournament, horse shoe pitching, baby contest, etc. One of the unadvertised highlights is running into and becoming reacquainted with friends you have not seen in years.

Each day is topped off with a rodeo. The show starts at roughly 8:00 p.m. each night and as I am certain you have all heard me say (write) before our opening is spectacular. Each year for the last 25 or more years our countries flag is brought to the arena via skydiver.

There is just something about watching Old Glory come sailing to earth that reaches down and touches my heart every time, maybe it is Lee Greenwood belting out "God Bless the USA", or watching members of the National Guard run to the flag and rescue it from the arena floor. Whatever the reason I always get choked up.

This year's show was great. I loved the Pro Tour FMX guys, although my heart might have stopped a time or two as they had to reach out extra far to bring their bikes back under them. On Thursday night the back flip was totally unexpected but by Saturday night, I had the picture I wanted.

It seemed this year we had some high scores in the "scored" events. Quite a few in the mid-80's, we still missed out on getting some 90's. But it was still fun to watch and once gain--as always bull-riding was my favorite event.

Outside of the rodeo, the Chuck wagon breakfast was good, I had fun pitching horshe shoes and as always and we did our usual cheering for dad as he crossed the finish line.

All-in-all the Ute Stampede was great. I am looking forward to the 77th Annual Ute Stampede.