GIVEAWAY~Stampede Championship Rodeo

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It’s been much-debated over the years whether rodeo was a sport or family entertainment. However, after forty-nine appearances in Salem, Virginia, no doubt the community would answer both. In fact, not only is it the longest running event at the Salem Civic Center, but it’s also been voted the Best of the Best numerous years by attendees. And no doubt those longtime fans, as well as some new families, will fill the Salem Civic Center when the 50th Salem Stampede Rodeo, presented by Kroger and your local Ram dealers, rides into town January 6-8, 2017.

“It’s amazing for any city to welcome a show back year in year out like this community has,” Imperial Rodeo Company spokesman Kevin DeBusk said. “And to have become the longest running event and one of the most popular family shows year in year out is even more special and tells us people enjoy the mixture of action and family entertainment we present.”

DeBusk continued saying this year will combine some crowd favorite entertainment from past years with a new specialty act. As for the mixture, the Salem Stampede Rodeo will feature a return of the comedic and entertaining antics of rodeo clown and rope artist Austin Stewart, as well as longtime rodeo announcer and bull rider at the first Salem Rodeo (then known as the Loretta Lynn Rodeo) Jerry Belles. Moreover, it will include the popular prerodeo activity which allows ticketholders and opportunity to get their boots dirty as they walk the arena floor where they get an up-close look at livestock as well as meet and greet with some of the contestants and bullfighters.

“It still amazes me that I’ve survived over 50 years where longevity isn’t the norm,” Jerry Belles said about his career. “And to still be able to talk about and tell people about the sport I love is a blessing beyond anything I could image.” He continued saying that he’s excited to be returning to be part of the 50th and appreciates the community support.

Additionally, the rodeo will welcome the talented Wild Together Trick and Roman Riders for their first appearance. This sister duo, who learned from legendary and former Salem Stampede trick riders S.L. and Loretta Pemberton, will bring their amazing roman riding style to the Salem Civic Center before heading on to the International Finals Rodeo (IFR) in Oklahoma City, where they were selected to be the Finals specialty act.  

Aside from contract personnel representing the sport portion of the event, this year will feature more than 200 cowboys and cowgirls from across the United States and Canada that will find themselves pitted against some of the top bulls and broncs in the country. For years, fans have loved being able to cheering for the local talent and enjoyed watching multiple contestants use this as a final warm-up before competing for World Titles at the International Finals Rodeo the following weekend in Oklahoma City. 

Tickets are on sale now, and can be bought at the Salem Civic Center Box Office (Monday – Friday: 10 am – 6 pm and Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm), by phone at 800-745-3000 or at www.Ticketmaster.com.

For more information and exciting tidbits regarding the 50th you can follow us on Facebook at Salem Stampede Rodeo and tickets are available now and can purchased online HERE.