The Cody Stampede

Cody, Wyoming hosts a nightly local rodeo in the months of June, July and August.  In the past, I wanted to haul horses out there for the summer just to get them seasoned or at least get them ready to hit the road.  As of now I have not made use of this idea.  On July 1-4 Cody’s arena hosts The Stampede, a PRCA sanctioned rodeo.  While some locals may be entered, the entry fees are higher and the card holding members get first dibs.  These contestants are not only running for larger purse payouts, but they are looking to add points for the year end championship title.  They are also vying for a spot in the Finals Rodeo held in Las Vegas. Before some of the events created their own association the PRCA was the highest level one could compete in rodeo events.  Now there are the USTRA (team roping), PBR (bull riding), Barrel racing futurities and NBHA, IBRA and so on. 

I have attended The Cody Stampede 3 times and yes, I have only ever been a spectator at this event.  I do not really get into watching activities, that I would rather be a competitor in.  My niece, (again) was the reason for my attendance.  “Aunt Maria, I am so excited to the rodeo with you,” followed by a high little squeal.  Yep, I will have fun going if for no other reason than to please this special young lady.  My nieces have a way of motivating me to do things I otherwise might not do.

Last year my husband and I had only arrived in the area a few hours before the rodeo was scheduled to start.   We were coming off a 2-day road trip, and I received several phone calls that afternoon wondering how close we were. 

At last we arrived with the excited little lady to the rodeo grounds.  Here is a look at the events we enjoyed. 

Saddle Bronc Riding

These riders attempt to NOT hit the ground or touch the horse with their free hand for 8 seconds. Using a special ‘bronc’ saddle and halter. They are judged on how the horse bucks and how they ride it.

Bareback Bronc Riding

In this event the riders use a bareback rigging which is like a suitcase handle strapped to the back of the horse. The horse also wears a bronc halter with a thick rope attached. 

A look at the bareback rigging. If I remember correctly this horse was called Maria.

Judges look for a few different details compared to the Saddle Bronc Riding, but the basic idea is similar. Riding the 2 different styles is not the same.

Calf Roping or Tie-down Roping

A horse rider gives a calf the head start, chases after it while swinging a rope. Then (if) when caught, the rider jumps off the horse, runs to the calf, flips it on its side and ties 3 of the legs.  During this time the horse has been trained to keep the rope (that is attached to the saddle) tight so the cowboy can work. The tie then has to hold for 6 seconds. The winner is determined by the time the fastest time.

Steer Wrestling

A mounted rider chases a steer that again has a head start, leans off his horse to grab the horns and wrestle the steer to the ground.  All this while they are running 30 plus miles per hour.

Halftime Show

The clowns provide entertainment throughout the rodeo in between events. But just before the intermission at this event they put on a special show.  This was a new to me clown act.

Barrel Racing

Warm up time for the ladies almost always happens during the intermission.  Intermission follows the Half time show and the barrel racing follows that.  Three barrels are set up in triangle or also called a cloverleaf pattern.  If you look a horses set of tracks after a clean run, it would look similar to the drawing of a cloverleaf.  Here it is simple: the fastest time wins with all barrels still standing.  Five or ten seconds are added to the time for each barrel knocked over.  Also the horse must continue in a forward motion and correctly execute the pattern with the choice of going to either the left or right barrel first.

Team Roping

Two mounted cowboys chase a horned steer (or cow) which is given a head start.  One rides slightly ahead for the purpose of roping the horns.  The second rider hangs back a little and when the header (first rider) turns the steer, rides in and ropes the heels.  The header pivots his horse and the heeler (second rider) slows his horse down.  This action pulls the ropes taut.  At this point the timer is stopped.  The fastest times wins.  There are penalties for only catching one hind leg instead of two or not giving the steer its head start (breaking the barrier).

Bull Riding

Almost always the last event in a rodeo and seemingly the most trilling.  The announcer builds the excitement saying, “Are you ready for the buuulllll riding?”  There have been serious injuries in the other events, but the bull riders have been known to say, “Its not if I get hurt, but when.”  A rope tied around the circumference of the bull just behind the shoulders, a bit of rosin to help the hand stick and a flank strap in front of the back legs with a nod of the head, the chute opens. Let’s see who can stay on for 8 seconds.  Of course, these cowboys get a score too, also based on how the bull bucks and how the rider rides. Two judges score up to 25 points for the bull and up to 25 points for the rider bringing the total possible points to 100.  Highest score wins.  There are ways to be disqualified such as touching the body of the bull with a free hand, not marking the bull out, and falling off before 8 seconds are over.

Yes, this was an exciting rodeo to watch.  Certainly not your average rodeo compared to the ones I have competed in.  Instead of the same old jokes, the clowns had new material to entertain or new to me. Want to see the Cody Stampede Rodeo? Visit their website.

Down Home Discount

Past blog posts have taken a look at different farmer’s markets I have attended.  In this post I am excited to share a story about a little different place to find farmer market items.  When I am in the Cody and Powell, Wyoming area, I always stop by to shop for great deals on foods and other items from Down Home Discount.

Down Home Discount in Powell, Wyoming offers a unique service to both local farmers and area consumers.  Staying within the local and state laws they provide a venue for goods to be available from producers in the surrounding area.  Keep reading to learn exactly what locally produced food you will find.

What: Down Home Discount
Where: 410 South Clarke Street
Powell, Wyoming
When: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday 8 am – 4:30 pm

This store opened in August of 2017 as a place to purchase name brand products at a reduced price.  While some products are out dated or dented, most of their merchandise is with in a use by date and with no damage at all. Use this link to read about purchasing items that are damaged or past the date. Since their purchase price is a fraction of what other stores in the area pay, they are able to pass these savings on to their customers.  Owned by a local family with 4 children, they understand the struggles of making ends meet and are excited to offer a lower priced option to the public.  A fun part of shopping here is the excitement of discovering what great deals are available each week. Along with groceries DHD also offers a variety of household wares, clothing, and personal hygiene items at a fraction of prices at other locations.

I enjoyed sharing in the opening of Down Home Discount located at 410 South Clark St. This store owned by the Ruckerts was about 3 to 4 years in the making.  After many conversations, meetings and plans it felt like a dream come true to finally have their store open.  As with most new business ventures, there were and are details to be figured out.

Meet the Owners

Both Brad and April grew up in the Midwest on a dirt road, but not the same one. Brad on a dairy and crop farm and April in a 5-acre woods that included many different animals including horses and goats. Now longtime residents of the Cody/Powell area, they have settled here to raise their own family of 4.  Often, on the trips back home they found enjoyment and value in the many discounted stores thriving in their hometown and surrounding area.  It was here the dream began to bring this shopping option to their neck of the woods in Wyoming.  I admire the fact that it was at least 4 years in the making.  The many steps and meetings as the researched this dream.  Tenacity is a character trait they both carry, although they may or may not realize its presence. 

I was scheduled to be on hand for the grand opening. However, a death in the family, left me with a decision to make and I choose to stay home for the funeral.  I enjoyed helping in the store when I did arrive in the first few weeks it opened

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Local Farmer’s Contributions

The Ruckert’s understand the importance of supporting local business and the health value of local produce and other foods.  Happily, Down Home Discount has made space in the store for local vendors to display their wares.  Along with finding great deals on groceries and other products you will find some of the same buying options as if you were attending a local farmer’s market.  Keep in mind these items are going to support local families and may not be discounted, but their value comes in the form of health and homemade/produced goods.

Local Baked goods
Local Dairy Products

Farm Fresh ice cream is one of the items available at the Powell store.

Mexican Cuisine
Local crafted Tamale after being purchased and then cooked at home.

Eggs are available. Look for other locally produced foods to be available when you visit Down Home Discount.

A New Location

New in 2019, Down Home Discount and it’s owners opened a new location in Cody, Wyoming about a 30 minute drive from Powell. This location is also a little less than an hour from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park making it a great place to stock up on supplies for your trip into the park.

What: Down Home Discount
Where: 2621 Big Horn Avenue
Cody, Wyoming
When: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday 9 am – 5 pm

This new location offers a different buying option. A percentage of merchandise can be purchased in bulk at an additional discount, on top of already low prices.  For example, 12 cans of baked beans for the price of 11 when prices are already lower.  Get together with your friends when shopping Down Home Discount in Cody and save even more. This new location brings a larger selection in clothing, shoes, health and beauty, and

Facts to remember: 

Both stores do not always carry the same merchandise from week to week.  It can be like opening a present and you find your self surprised with new items on a regular basis when shopping at Down Home Discount. Stay informed of the weekly deals and new products on Facebook: Down Home Discount on FB.

Attentions local farmers and producers:

Are you a local farmer and produce local food in the Cody, Wyoming or Powell area? Be sure to contact Down Home Discount to speak with them about offering your local produce in their store.

Clarks Fork

Last summer found me enjoying the high desert of Wyoming.  I stayed just east of Yellowstone for a couple weeks.

One evening, I invited my Mom to take a drive with me to Clark’s Fork, or perhaps it was her idea we go.  We felt the need to get out and explore, even if it was from the comfort of a car.

Whatever the reason, we drove through Badger Basin on our way to Clarks Fork.

Thunder storms rolled across the Bear Tooth Mountains creating a unique horizon for our viewing pleasure.

Our drive took us a short way into the beautiful canyon and the area known as Clark’s Fork. 

Are you are enjoying the view?  Fill out the form below to learn details of how to visit for yourself.  This list includes links to find info on 9 other places to visit in the Cody/ Powell area of Wyoming, as well.

I researched a bit of the history of Clark’s Fork, a tributary of the Yellowstone River. A settlement, Clark, and Clark’s Fork, was named after none other than the Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Further reading revealed the closest Clark came to the Clarks Fork was where the mouth dumps into the Yellowstone near Billings, Montana.  If he had known the beauty he was missing, he may have investigated his self given namesake.

We checked out a few side roads.

Beautiful flowers lined one of those roads.

There is more to do than drive on the road and look at beautiful mountains in Clark’s Fork. A parking area provides for further exploration on 4 wheelers and camping experiences.  Grizzly bear sightings are not uncommon and rattlesnakes frequent this area as well. Be safely prepared for adventure.

If you enjoyed this visit to Clark’s Fork and would like more info on how to visit here or other places in the Cody and Powell area of Wyoming, be sure to grab your FREE list of 10 places to visit by using the form below.