Stampede Rodeo kicks off Friday in Salem

SALEM, Va. – A more than 50-year-old tradition has returned to Salem.

The Stampede Rodeo is back in town.

Thousands come out each year to cheer on their favorite cowboy or cowgirl for the weekend-long event.

The Salem Civic Center floor has been transformed, now covered with dirt and soon will be full of livestock.

The Imperial Rodeo Crew is finishing up the transformation for the Stampede Championship Rodeo, which kicks off Friday for the 51st time.

"It's a family-oriented show. And the community to me has embraced this for such a long time because of that. We are really excited to bring that family-oriented show here again this year," said Kevin Debusk with the Salem Stampede Rodeo. 

Click here to enter Daytime Blue Ridge's ticket giveaway on Facebook.