NAMPA, Idaho — The 107th annual Snake River Stampede opens in Nampa, Tuesday July 19 and runs through Saturday July 23.

Already, there's cowboys, cowgirls and spectators inside the Ford Idaho Center. They're there early to qualify.

Since the Stampede is recognized as one of the top-10 professional rodeos in the United States, many contestants show up in hopes to make it to the evening shows.

For one event, the Calf Tie-Down, the field is extremely deep. Over 700 cowboys are competing in teams of two for 15 places per night.

There are eight main events at this year's rodeo. New this year is Breakaway Roping, which had its qualifying July 18. It's a fast-paced event, and the top time was 2.1 seconds.

For spectators that have never attended a rodeo, Snake River Stampede President Dan Ward gave a brief summary of what to expect.

"It's the fastest, wildest show on Earth," Ward said. "We have great competition in all the events, bareback, bull riding..."

Ward also said that a good reason to come out was to see the Western lifestyle, to get a better perspective of what Cowboys and Cowgirls do, and to gain an appreciation for their profession. He compared it to golfers competing in professional tours, noting that much like golfer, riders only earn money based off their placings at shows.

"I think they need to come out and see what the Western lifestyle is, and see what the cowboys really do," Ward said. "This is a 1-on-1, it's not a team thing other than team roping. These cowboys live off just that one thing... these cowboys have to ride perfect to get the perfect score to earn their money."

Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door. Doors open at 5:30 each night and the rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m., but there is also a Saturday matinee.

New this year, there will also be a concert after each night's rodeo at the outdoor amphitheater.

For more information, check out the Snake River Stampede's website.

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