We are just days away from the Snake River Stampede rodeo kick off. It's host this year to more than 700 competitors from across the globe.
Momentum for the now over a century old tradition is ramping up. In its 101st year, the rodeo has more than left a "cowboy boot" mark on Nampa with its footprint back in the downtown district.
Friday and Saturday streets were blocked off for the Stampede Community Festival.
The 2016 festival coordinator went out of her way to be a part of the event, not minding one bit to volunteer her time.
"I came last year and loved it so much. It was the first year they brought it back downtown," says Marie Baker, Stampede Community Festival coordinator.
Saturday morning's parade meant extra foot traffic downtown.
Shop owners didn't seem to mind the exposure. The timing was perfect for TNT's Dynamite Bar and Grill that opened in the basement of the Longbranch Station on Monday.
"We're walking around passing out fliers. We have to-go menus that everybody can check out," says Lindsey Bergstrom, front of the house manager for the restaurant. "We're just getting everybody familiar with this building because we know it's been empty [the basement] for three years."
The festival includes vendor booths, a vintage tractor and car show, along with activities for the kids and food.
They also teamed up with the Idaho Songwriters Association to showcase local talent.
"It celebrates our roots but also brings into play who we are and where we're going in the future," Baker concludes. "So, I think the whole Stampede does that."
The Stampede Community Festival runs until 8 o'clock Saturday night in downtown Nampa with live music.
On Tuesday, July 19, the week-long competition at the Idaho Center begins with a 7:30 p.m. start time and pre-rodeo events going on throughout the day.
