From helping little kids reunite with their parents after they wandered too far to preparing for possible evacuations due to inclement weather or other threats, the Greeley Stampede partners with many local agencies to prepare for any dangers.
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In keeping up with nationwide safety standards for large events, the Stampede has introduced a weapons detection system powered by artificial intelligence, according to Greeley Police Special Operations Commander Matt Patella.
“Because obviously, really one of our greatest concerns is bringing a weapon inside the park,” he said.
Stampede marketing manager Kevin McFarling and security chairman Jon Patton said guests will simply walk through the system, removing the need to empty their pockets or take off belts while passing through security. If the system flags someone, security will pull that person aside and ask a few questions, using extra security screenings as needed.
The clear bag policy, which was updated in 2024, is also still in place. The policy requires guests to place personal items in a clear bag or in a small bag for entry into any Stampede event. Backpacks and large purses are not allowed into the Stampede, with the exception of medical equipment.
Since the Stampede is allowing for concealed carry, McFarling said guests who choose to carry will have to show proper documentation to prove they are authorized to carry a firearm before entering.
Coordination and teamwork across multiple agencies is crucial, according to Greeley Emergency Management Director Peter Perez. The Greeley Office of Emergency Management works to make sure all safety stakeholders know where to be and how to respond, Perez said. That includes working with the public works department to coordinate traffic and parking, identifying the best location for the fire department to get their trucks to the area and ensuring there are enough police officers to staff the event while not neglecting patrolling the rest of the city.
With such a large event set in the summer, and with people tending to focus on drinking to have a good time instead of drinking for hydration, Perez said the Stampede tends to see a lot of people with heat exhaustion who are sent to the hospital. While that gets people the medical attention they need, it can also be a financial burden.
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This year, a first aid team will be stationed at the Stampede at 14th Avenue and D Street intersection, near the petting zoo. The first aid team will be able to treat minor injuries on-site, and help people who maybe just need to drink some water and lie down in the shade under medical supervision. But anyone having a medical emergency should still call 911. Standby medical staff will also be at the event.
The Stampede also offers many ways for guests to cool off. There will be a water bottle filling station near the Buckle Club, three free sunscreen dispensers, shading near the food court and a relaxation station with air conditioning.
Patella said safety stakeholders run through worse-case scenarios so they can be prepared for any dangers. For the most part, police and security have to deal with heat exhaustion or helping reunite kids with their parents, he said. Parents and children can approach an officer or anyone wearing a red Stampede volunteer shirt to get help to find their family.
Summer in Colorado also means some less than desirable weather. Stampede officials monitor the weather closely and quickly communicate with attendees about evacuation routes or where to take shelter. This also lets vendors take precautionary steps, such as bringing down large amplifiers during high winds.
“What we plan for is how do we get a hold of the public and tell them what they need to do,” Perez said.
Emergency notifications for the Stampede will also be pushed out by the CodeRED system, the county’s emergency notification system. People can sign up for notifications at accountportal.onsolve.net/weldcountyco/contact.
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