Longhorns walk the streets of OKC at the Stockyards Stampede on October 16

Slip on your boots and head on over to Oklahoma City’s Stockyards City on Saturday, October 16th for the district’s annual Stockyards Stampede. The Longhorns will kick off the event at 10:00 a.m. by parading down the street, starting from the Oklahoma National Stockyards archway on Exchange. Once they complete their parade of the district, they will be on display for the remainder of the day in the fenced area adjacent to Collision Works, 2100 Exchange Avenue. 

Stockyards Stampede began in 1993 in order to celebrate the agricultural history and heritage of the area. It became an annual tradition to embrace and promote the district’s western flavor.

This year, there will be plenty of activities happening throughout the day to fit the interests and comfort-levels of any family, group of friends, or individual. If you’d rather spend the day outdoors or in, there are many activities and options to enjoy as you learn about the history of the West.

The Executive Director of Rodeo Opry, Cindy Scarberry said, “It’s a great time whether you want to be inside or outside, every comfort level can be taken care of with social distancing at the event. The businesses are all really excited to welcome people into the area to see what a wonderful place we have in Oklahoma City. It’s really special place to be and a great day celebrating the West and western heritage.”

Right after the Longhorns finish their walk, the Rodeo Cinema will be airing a free movie for kids and offering free popcorn. At noon, samplings of cobbler, stew, cornbread and more will be available at the chuckwagon camp where you can view demonstrations of traditional cooking. Throughout the day, the Rodeo Opry stage will feature live music, a square dance demonstration by the Central District Square Dance Association, and the Little Ms. and Mr. Stockyards City pageant, which always draws smiles and “awws” from the crowd.

During the pageant, each child will get up on stage and answer a few questions. Anyone, regardless of their experience level, is welcome to participate. There are categories based on age. Pageant participants are welcome to perform a song or talent, but there is no requirement and winners will get a sash and headpiece crown.

“We invite the winners to come back and join us for the Christmas parade on the first Saturday in December. The longhorns walk through the streets again and lead out the parade. Santa always shows up for the end and stays around to take photos and give gifts to the children,” said Scarberry.

With the holidays in mind, if you are ready to get some of your shopping in early, A Made in Oklahoma Market will be by Little Joe's Boots on Exchange. The market will include a variety of locally made and produced items from all over Oklahoma. In addition to a large selection of items, a leather working demonstration will be held at the market.

Another special addition for this year’s event is the Community Quilt art project. “People can decorate a square and we’ll put them together on a large collaborative space,” said Scarberry. “We want to share the history of story quilts from pioneer days when people used to share their personal stories and family histories through quilts.” Once the Community Quilt is complete, it will be on display in the district.

The Kids Corral will have many fun activities for kids of all ages. There will be a petting zoo where you can get your picture made with some alpacas and a llama. Regular businesses like the Rattlesnake Museum and the Horseshoeing Museum will also be open during the day—must-visits for anyone ready for indoor-entertainment and learning.  

This day is a perfect opportunity to experience all that makes Stockyards City a wonderful part of our community! Mark your calendar for this Saturday, October 16th to ensure you don't miss out on the fun!

Scheduled Activities

10:00 a.m. Longhorn Parade, Exchange and Agnew

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Leather Working Demonstration, Made in Oklahoma Market

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. The Dalby’s performing, Rodeo Opry Stage

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Registration for Little Miss and Mr. Stockyards City Pageant, Rodeo Opry Stage

10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Movie and Popcorn, Rodeo Cinema

11:00 a.m. Farrier Demonstration, Museum of Horseshoeing

11:00 a.m. Cornhole Tournament, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Owen and Kelcie Pickard performing, Rodeo Opry Stage

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Chuckwagon Food Sampling, Chuckwagon Camp

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Little Miss and Mr. Stockyards City Pageant, Rodeo Opry Stage

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Mallory Eagle performing, Rodeo Opry Stage

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Cowboy Jim Garling performing, Rodeo Opry Stage

2:30 p.m. Longhorn Parade, Exchange and Agnew