(Cedar City, UT) - As host to nearly a dozen popular festivals, Cedar City has earned its nickname “Festival City U.S.A.” Included in those events are the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespearean Festival and the Utah Summer Games. This year on September 7th and 8th, one of Cedar City’s most popular festivals returns as Southern Utah University and the Cedar City Lions Club celebrates Utah’s Western heritage with the 11th Annual GREAT AMERICAN STAMPEDE, a two day festival that includes a parade, and two nights of bronc bustin’ and bull ridin’ and much more with a National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) rodeo event.

SUU Rodeo Team Coach Shane Flannigan explained that invitations were extended to collegiate rodeo teams across the region, including Utah State University, Weber State University, Snow College, Dixie State University, Utah Valley University, Salt Lake Community College, Idaho State University, Mesa State College, Colorado Northwest Community College, and College of Southern Idaho.

“We expect to see some great young talent at this rodeo,” said Flannigan, “These athletes are really dedicated to their sport and are determined to do their schools proud.”

The Iron Rangers Arena at the Cross Hollow Event Center will be the sight of bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, and calf roping, starting at seven p.m. both nights. Also featuring the Cowgirl Stampede Drill Team, Flag presentation honoring the 222 Battalion, and the famous Percheron Thunder starring Jason Goodman! The kids will laugh with the rodeo clowns and try their hand at mutton busting. Kick up your heels at the dance Friday night after the rodeo. Don’t miss the Western parade on Main Street Saturday at noon, and enjoy two Big Nights of Rodeo on September 7th and 8th!

One of the highlights of the Great American Stampede is Saturday’s parade down Main Street scheduled for high noon. Typical entrants include award-winning restorations and reproductions of stage coaches, freight wagons, covered wagons loaded with gear, elegant phaetons, and light carriages. Miniature horses trot down Main Street to the particular delight of the children and the Queen, Princess, and other royalty from the Lions Club Great American Stampede Rodeo ride the horses they use in their rodeo exhibitions of fine horsemanship.Deadline for parade entry forms is Saturday, September 1, 2012.

Tickets for the rodeo can be obtained at Cal Ranch, IFA, and at Jolley’s Ranch Wear.

For more information contact Bryan Komarek at 435-590-3056