The Western Stampede turns 70 this year! Saddle up and journey with us each week as we celebrate the Stampede’s Platinum Year.

Before it was officially known as “The Western Stampede,” the event began as an exciting celebration called “West Jordan City’s Settlers’ Day.” This new tradition promised fun games, competitions, and plenty of prizes.

The first newspaper recording we could find of the official West Jordan City’s Settlers’ Day promised a “Thriller-Diller!” That meant two days of rodeo competitions with cash and silver buckles for prizes, dances on the tennis court, a community parade, live reenactments of pioneer settlers, games and a talent show! Thriller-Diller indeed!

Newspaper Copy:

West Jordan Settlers Days Will Be a “Thriller-Diller”

Everyone in Salt Lake County, the state of Utah-–and the whole world for that matter-–is invited to attend the annual Settlers Days rodeo and celebration set for July 3 and 5 at the West Jordan community park, Mayor Marve Jenson announced today.

The fete starts Saturday, July 3 at 4 p.m. with McBrides’ rodeo presentation, and a dance will be held at 9 p.m. that evening at the school tennis court, when a queen and two attendants will be selected. Children 10 years of age and under will be admitted free to the rodeo that day, the committee said.

On the morning of July 5, the parade will begin at 11 o’clock and will move from the West Jordan Second ward to the park. Entries for the parade are open to anyone who wishes to take part. Immediately following the parade a talent show will take place. Following the show, tableaus will be presented depicting the early settlers of West Jordan. Competitive games, concessions, and refreshments will be open all day. At 4 p.m. the second rodeo will begin in the arena. Silver buckles and cash prizes will be given away.

Of special interest will be the 15 Ute Indians in their full costume. They will be in the parade and will perform their sun dance at the rodeo.