The Stampede to Read program, a community initiative sponsored by the Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo since 2007, aims to promote literacy and cultivate a lifelong love for reading among local children. This longstanding community program, made possible by the commitment of dedicated individuals and the support of the community and local schools, offers educational enrichment and impacts the lives of countless young readers.
By setting attainable reading goals for students on a daily and weekly basis, the Stampede to Read program fosters a love of reading. Students who successfully complete their reading goals are rewarded for their achievements with a coveted ticket to the Elizabeth Stampede. Earning a ticket to the Stampede encourages children to actively engage with reading and allows students and their families to enjoy a fun community event.
Carol Williams, who has served as the Stampede to Read coordinator for the past 13 years, radiates enthusiasm when recounting the program’s impact. “I love seeing the kids light up at the kickoff assemblies,” she shared. The excitement is palpable as the barrel man from the rodeo takes center stage at school assemblies, regaling eager students with stories of his job and role at the rodeo. “He gets everyone involved and excited,” Williams recounted. “He creates a bull riding event at the assembly and asks for student volunteers to help him.”
“I also love the stories I hear from parents saying how their child is now excited to sit down and read a book and hear that their child’s reading has improved,” said Williams.
The success of this program is highlighted by the increase in participation over the years. What began as a modest initiative in one Elbert County school to replace a reading program that had been cut has expanded to four participating schools within the county. It also draws participation from Franktown Elementary and Cherry Valley Elementary in neighboring Douglas County as well as local homeschool children.
Last year, roughly 600 elementary school-aged children earned their free Stampede tickets through this program. Not all who earn the tickets end up attending the event.
“About 140 are actually redeemed at the event,” said Williams, who says the purpose of this program is to support literacy and encourage families to attend the Stampede.
The Stampede to Read program thrives in our local community with the support of staff like Carol Williams, the community, participation from local schools and encouragement from parents. The Elizabeth Stampede and Rodeo takes place June 6-9, 2024 at Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth.
If you would like your school or your homeschool child to participate, call the Elizabeth Stampede office at 303-646-0308 or send an email to info@elizabethstampede.com.