Roping, Riding, and Rich History: A Look Back at the 2024 Stockyard Stampede

The Stockyard Stampede is an annual event that brings the rich heritage of Stockyard City to life, blending the traditions of Oklahoma’s ranching past with lively festivities that appeal to all ages. Held on October 19th this year, the Stampede drew locals and visitors alike to witness a day full of Western-themed activities, delicious food, live music, and, of course, the iconic cattle drive down Exchange Avenue. But to truly understand the spirit of this event, you have to look back over a century to the roots of Stockyard City itself.

The Beginnings of Stockyard City

The story of Stockyard City began in 1909, when a group of Oklahoma City businessmen, led by Anton Classen and Charles Colcord, set out to establish a new hub for the livestock industry. They partnered with the Nelson Morris Company from Chicago to develop a plan that would bring a major packing house to the area. To make it a reality, they raised a $300,000 cash bonus and secured property concessions. This effort paved the way for the birth of Oklahoma’s own “Packingtown,” where the Oklahoma National Stockyards would soon become the centerpiece.

A tract of land was chosen west of downtown Oklahoma City, across the river. The newly formed Industrial District Company began selling lots to fund the project, and the area quickly transformed into a bustling hub of industry. By 1910, the Oklahoma National Stockyards opened as a public livestock market, complete with a meatpacking plant from Morris & Company. The following year, Schwartzchild & Sulzberger opened a similar facility, marking the beginning of a significant era in Oklahoma City’s industrial history.

Growth and Evolution: Building “Packingtown”

The new stockyards brought about an economic boom, generating around 2,400 jobs at a time when Oklahoma City’s population was just 60,000. This marked the city’s first major industrial installation, turning it into a regional powerhouse for livestock trade. By 1966, the Oklahoma National Stockyards had grown to become the sixth-largest market in the country for livestock handling, representing $125 million in annual business. At its peak in 1973, the stockyards processed over 919,000 cattle, earning its place as the largest stocker and feeder cattle market in the world.

The rapid growth spurred the development of a thriving community around the stockyards. The district, known as “Packingtown,” soon had its own post office, bank, hotels, restaurants, and numerous businesses that catered to the needs of the livestock trade. Western-themed shops opened up, selling everything from boots to saddles, as Stockyard City became a destination for those wanting to experience authentic cowboy culture.

The Birth of the Stockyard Stampede

In 1993, the Stockyard Stampede was created as a way to celebrate and preserve the rich agricultural heritage of Stockyard City. The event was envisioned as a tribute to the area’s history, bringing the past to life with a traditional cattle drive, live demonstrations, and activities that would draw the community together. From its early days, the cattle drive down Exchange Avenue was the focal point, giving visitors a close-up view of the majestic longhorns that once defined the region.

Over the years, the Stampede has grown, adding new attractions and expanding its scope, but its core mission remains the same: to honor Oklahoma’s livestock industry and its ongoing importance to the local economy. For many, the event is a chance to step back in time, reconnect with their roots, and celebrate the enduring legacy of ranching in the state.

The 2024 Stockyard Stampede: A Day to Remember

This year’s Stampede kicked off in grand style on October 19th, with the Slash O’ Ranch Longhorns leading a parade down Exchange Avenue. Beginning at the historic Oklahoma National Stockyards archway, the cattle drove a path that allowed spectators to marvel at their size and strength up close. As always, the longhorns were a major draw, and seeing them pass through the heart of Stockyard City was a powerful reminder of the area’s roots.

One of the highlights of the day was the traditional chuck wagon camp set up near the arena, where visitors got to watch demonstrations of old-fashioned cowboy cooking. At noon, delicious samplings of cobbler, stew, and cornbread were served, offering a taste of the frontier lifestyle that has defined the region for generations. The aroma of hearty, slow-cooked food filled the air, and it was clear this was a favorite stop for many attendees.

The Corral stage was alive with music throughout the day, featuring performances by local talents Tanner Fields, Cowboy Jim Garling, and Maddox Ross. The stage also hosted the Little Miss and Mr. Stockyards City pageant, adding a fun, family-friendly element to the festivities. Meanwhile, Charros Del Roble put on roping demonstrations, showcasing the skill and dexterity of cowboys that have been honed over years of practice.

The Best Beef, Oklahoma Style

No Stockyard Stampede would be complete without the annual Oklahoma’s Best Beef Competition, where local beef producers vie for the title of best-tasting beef. This year’s competition, held at 11:00 a.m., drew participants from across the state, each eager to showcase the quality of their product. Attendees who purchased wristbands for $25 were treated to samples from all the competitors and got to vote for their favorites. Proceeds went to benefit the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation, highlighting the event’s focus on supporting local agriculture.

For Amy Singleton, this year’s highlight was posing atop one of the impressive longhorns, a thrilling and memorable experience that encapsulated the adventurous spirit of the Stampede. “You can’t appreciate the size of these animals until you’re up close with them,” she shared, adding that the energy of the event was as lively as ever.

Family Fun and Artistic Flair

The Stampede also offered plenty of activities for children at the Kids Corral, including a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and dummy roping. Located near the National Saddlery Arena, it was a bustling area filled with laughter and excitement as kids learned more about Oklahoma’s agricultural traditions. Additionally, Oklahoma plein air painters set up their easels throughout Stockyard City, capturing the essence of the event with vibrant colors and brushstrokes, adding a unique artistic element to the festivities.

The Made in Oklahoma Market showcased local artisans, offering everything from handcrafted goods to homemade treats. It was a great way for attendees to support local businesses and discover new products, all while soaking in the Western charm that Stockyard City is known for.

Mark Your Calendar for Next Year!

As the sun set on this year’s Stockyard Stampede, it was clear that the event continues to be a cherished tradition that brings people together to celebrate Oklahoma’s ranching heritage. The combination of history, entertainment, and community spirit made for a memorable day that visitors will be talking about until next year.

For those who couldn’t attend, don’t worry—there’s always next year! Mark your calendars now for October 18th, 2025 (tentative), and make sure to plan a visit to Stockyard City for the next Stockyard Stampede. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s a perfect opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Oklahoma’s storied past.

So, saddle up and get ready to join the fun, because the Stockyard Stampede promises to be bigger and better every year. See you next October!

Amy Singleton is a contributing author and online editor for Whirlocal South OKC, Moore, and Norman. She’s the host of the Queen Lead Podcast, a motivational & marketing keynote speaker, and the CEO at HITE.