Greeley Stampede welcomes 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

Since 2017, the Greeley Stampede Hall of Fame has been honoring individuals and families that have made significant and long-lasting contributions to the success and prestige of the events 100 year history. This year, the Greeley Stampede is proud to announce the induction of three individuals into the 2023 Hall of Fame class.

This year’s inductees include:

·         Edgar “Lefty” Bartels: Served as the Go West with Greeley Parade Chairman from 1964-1969 and was the General Chairman from 1970-1971. He arranged the first military flyover and was instrumental in presenting the first night show in 1970.

·         Leon Coffee: Iconic rodeo clown and barrel man that entertained rodeo audiences at the Greeley Stampede from 1980-1998.

·         Joe Vickarelli: Served on the Greeley Stampede Committee for 14 years in 4 different decades starting in 1977 through 2007 including being General Chair in 1981.

We are privileged to have this year’s Inductees as part o the legacy of the Greeley Stampede.

Justin Watada, Greeley Stampede General Chairman

“We can never say thank you enough to the many individuals that have contributed to the Greeley Stampede over the years,” commented Justin Watada, Greeley Stampede General Chairman. “Our community celebration wouldn’t be where it is without their dedication. The Hall of Fame is our highest honor to recognize those that have stood out and gone above what was asked of them. We are privileged to have this year’s inductees as part of the legacy of the Greeley Stampede.”

To recognize the Hall of Fame inductees, the Greeley Stampede will be hosting an induction ceremony dinner Friday, April 14, 2023 at Zoe’s Café starting at 6pm. For information on getting tickets to the event and to be added to the waitlist, visit greeleystampede.org/p/hall-of-fame-banquet. 

Additional recognition will take place during the 101^st Annual Greeley Stampede in June including recognition during the June 25^th Pro Rodeo performance and display cases in the Events Center for each inductee with information and artifacts about their contributions to the Stampede.

The Greeley Stampede Hall of Fame was established for the purpose of honoring individuals who have made significant and long-lasting contributions to the Greeley Stampede. Inductees into the Hall of Fame may include, but not be limited to, volunteers, affiliated organizations, contract personnel, and others who have made a significant contribution to the success and prestige of the Greeley Stampede. More information is available at www.greeleystampede.org/p/halloffame.

ABOUT THE GREELEY STAMPEDE: The Greeley Stampede, a 501(c)4 nonprofit corporation, is the Colorado’s premiere summer western celebration. The 2023 Greeley Stampede is scheduled for June 22-July 4. This longstanding event has grown in diversity and popularity since its inception and has provided music and rodeo entertainment to hundreds of thousands of people every summer. The Stampede has been inducted in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and received many awards including PRCA Mountain States Large Rodeo of the Year, RMCMA Event of the Year and listed in the US Today Top 10 rodeos.. For more information about the Greeley Stampede visit www.greeleystampede.org.

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