Buffalo Bill Cody waves to the crowd in the town named for him during the 2012 Stampede Parade in Cody, Wyo. (Yellowstone Gate/Ruffin Prevost - click to enlarge)
By Ruffin Prevost
CODY, WYO. — Fourth of July parades are standard fare in towns across America, and many small towns pull out all the stops to put on a show for America’s birthday. But the Stampede Parade in Cody, Wyo. is a patriotic spectacle that runs nearly two hours and features more than 125 entries. Visitors to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks often make it a point to be in the town of nearly 10,000 on Independence Day to witness one of the most inspiring and entertaining parades in America.
Though the Stampede Parade on July 4 is just one of a series of red-white-and-blue events surrounding Cody’s annual Fourth of July celebrations, it’s one of the biggest and most beloved. An army of volunteers work behind the scenes throughout the year to organize and execute the parade, which is viewed by thousands who line Sheridan Avenue to see soldiers, mountain men, horseback riders, trick ropers, gunfighters, dancers, marching bands, local characters and more.
If you missed it — or if you want to enjoy the highlights once again — here are some favorite images from the 2012 Cody Stampede Parade.
Cody, Wyoming Stampede Parade, July 4, 2012
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Caledonian Pipes and Drums of Billings, Mont. Perform in Cody Stampede Parade
Thanks for the pictures and videos! I was not able to get up to Cody for the 4th and enjoyed being able to “see” the parade through your article. It is the BEST place to spend the 4th!