Out of 70 years of celebrations, only two have passed without a city-wide 4th of July.

The first was in 1955, when a Kennecott Copper strike left many residents without jobs for 42 days. The newspapers don’t say why the strike pushed the City to cancel Settlers’ Day, but thankfully, the strike was successful. The Kennecott employees got a pay raise, from 80 cents to $1.28 per day, and an improved pension plan.

The second cancellation is one we all remember: 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic shut down. Not only was Western Stampede canceled, but council meetings were moved exclusively online and the offices were closed for several weeks.

But just like any good rodeo, we got back in the saddle and kept the show going.

Newspaper Copy:

West Jordan – West Jordan Settlers Day Stampede, originally set for early August but postponed because of the strike at the Kennecott Copper Corp until the Labor Day weekend has been canceled for this year, Laurel J. Brown, chairman, announced.

Social Media Copy:

It is with a heavy heart we have to announce the cancellation of this year’s Western Stampede celebration.

This was a difficult decision, Western Stampede is not only an event that brings people within our city together, but brings in people from all over the state.

However, because of the large crowds the event draws, we recognize it will be difficult to comply with social distancing guidelines, put forth by the health department. Our residents’ health and safety are our top priority.