The Ute Stampede, one fo the state's top sanctioned rodeos and a Nephi tradition for 62 years, kicked off Thursday night at the Juab County Fairgrounds. The rodeo and other related celebrations continue through Saturday.
The rodeo's grand entry begins each evening at 8 and is staged by producer Cotton Rosser's Flying R's Rodeo. A preshow will begin each evening at 7:30.All seating on Friday and Saturday will be by reserved seat. No general admission tickets will be sold Friday and Saturday.
Each night the rodeo will feature top cowboys, bareback riding, bull dogging, calf roping, specialty acts, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, women's barrel racing and team roping.
Fast foods are available for purchase at the rodeo each evening. Proceeds from the food concessions at the arena are contributed to the Boy Scouts of America.
Three parades have become a Stampede tradition over the years. Prizes will be awarded each parade night.
Friday is the Mammoth Parade, which will begin at 4 p.m. at the Nephi City Park and will travel along Nephi's Main Street. Entries include floats and bands.
Saturday will be the bathing beauty parade at 4 p.m. It will be followed by the Miss Ute Stampede Bathing Beauty contest at the Nephi City Park grandstand.
Those wishing to enter any of these parades can do so by registering at the park on the day of the event 1 hour prior to the parade. Pre-registrations for the bathing beauty parade may be made by calling Jim Bosh at 623-0814 in the evening or at the park one hour prior to the parade.
The City of Fun Carnival will be held daily at the Juab County Fairgrounds.
There will be a Lion's Club Breakfast served at Nephi City Park on Friday and Saturday mornings.
An Art Show will continue through Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m. at the 42 South Main. The show will be judged and is sponsored by the Juab County Art League.
The Ute Stampede Craft Show will be held on Friday and Saturday on the grounds of Nephi City Hall and Juab County Center on Nephi's Main Street. For booth information call 623-0409 or 623-1088. All types of crafts will be available for sale from porcelain dolls, to home-crafted items and oil paintings.
Friday and Saturday there will be a Western Street Dance following the rodeo at the multipurpose building at the Juab County Fairgrounds.
Saturday will be the annual Ute Stampede golf tournament held at the Canyon Hills Golf Course. Those interested in entering the tourney should call the golf pro at the course at 623-9930. The course will be open to the general public interested in golfing on Thursday and Friday.
The annual Ute Stampede Fun Run will be held beginning at 7 a.m. at the Nephi City Park. Call 623-1485 or 623-2285 for entry information.
A favorite of car buffs is the annual Ute Stampede Car Show and Antique Auto Swap Meet held at the Nephi City Park on Saturday. Prizes are awarded in several categories, and fans who enjoy autos are invited to attend the show. For entry information call 623-1478 or 623-1361.