Silver state stampede 2022 Grand marshal ~ W.T. Bruce
W.T. Bruce was born in 1959 in Weiser Idaho and currently lives in Homedale Idaho. He grew up in a ranching family and was around rodeo from a very young age as his father produced rodeos in the 1930’s and 1940’s. W.T. rodeoed in the 1970’s and 80’s and his event was saddle bronc. He didn’t take up photography until his daughters started participating in Junior and High School rodeo around 1999. WT. started taking pictures at the Silver State Stampede in 2005. He stated that he likes to photograph rodeos because it gets him back into the arena, just not on the back of a bucking horse. He previously photographed around 20 rodeos a year and now he has selected the top 5 to 7 each year. He is proud to say that he photographs The American, Pendleton Roundup and the Silver State Stampede. Outside of his photography business, W.T. owns a construction company specializing in apartment remodels throughout the state of Idaho. His greatest joy in life is being a proud Father of two daughters and has two beautiful grandchildren.
In 1998, Bell — who attended Spring Creek High School — was a junior and competed in the rough stock events of bareback riding and saddle bronc riding.
At the Carson City High School Rodeo, at Fuji Park, he was hung up during his bareback ride in the Sunday performance and was dragged around the arena before coming free.
“When I got up, I stepped on my heel and it felt like mush,” Bell said.
Almost immediately after, he climbed on his saddle bronc horse and broke his neck during the ride — leaving him paralyzed for the past 23 years.
“I’ve seen more good come from it than bad. I would give a lot of things to walk again, but I wouldn’t go back and change anything that has happened,” he said. “A lot of people have told me that I’ve been an inspiration to them and to others, and I’ve had some really cool opportunities.”
Andy Bell marks out a saddle bronc from the chute during a high school rodeo in the late 1990s. ELKO — More than two decades after a life-changing accident, Andy Bell — who was severely injured during a high school rodeo in Carson City is named the Grand Marshal
Silver state stampede 2020 Grand marshal ~ Zeb Bell
49 years announcing rodeos....I've been blessed. From Florida to California, from Washington to New Jersey, I've said "Good evening Ladies & Gentlemen", at thousands and thousands of performances. Some of my career highlights include being selected numerous times for the NFR, chosen to announce at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the World Equestrian Games in Spain. I need to pull back on the reins right here and say that my success and long career would not have been possible without my best friend and beautiful wife of 49 years...Deanne. She is my rock. For many years, I was the announcer at this Silver State Stampede and to be named' Grand Marshall" is a great honor and I'm very proud to be here. The Silver State Stampede is one of the best rodeos anywhere, reflecting a glimpse into the past with the Old West Bronc Ridin' to the present with many million dollar cowboys. To all my friends here in the Elko area I'm very humbled and proud to have my name associated with YOUR Silver State Stampede - may God bless you all....and thank you.
Zeb
Past Grand Marshals
2022 W.T. Bruce
2021 Andy Bell
2020 Zeb Bell
2019 Don Newman
2018 Cashman Equipment Company
2017 Jim Pitts
2016 Marvin McDade
2015 Nelo Mori
2014 Walter Winchell
2013 Dean Rhoads
2012 Dee Dee Garcia
2011 Hank Filippini
2010 Silver State Stampede Board of Directors
2009 Floyd Slagowski
2008 Joann Murphy
2007 Betty Bear
2006 Tom Marvel
2005 Marge Prunty
2004 Bill Maupin
2003 Barbara Farmer
2002 Walt Leberski
2001 Lourinda Wines and Eddie Murphy
2000 Thelma Weaver
1999 Joann Wright
1998 Jack Walther
1997 George Smiraldo
1996 Rocky Roa
1995 Elias and Alice Goicoechea
1994 Loyd Sorensen
1993 Wayne Marteney