MONTE VISTA - On June 19, Monte Vista City Manager GiGi Dennis talked about the upcoming Ski-Hi Stampede that will take place July 9-13, and how a special day has been designated for Stampede this year. 

“Charlie Burd has been on the Stampede Committee for 50 years. With this being his 50th season, we wanted to have the kickoff to Stampede and recognize it as Charlie Burd Day,” she said. 

Dennis then read the resolution aloud, announcing that July 11, would be officially recognized as Charlie Burd Day. The resolution included many accomplishments and things that Burd has done including, graduating from Monte Vista High School, working at local ranches and riding horses. It was mentioned that Burd joined the Army in 1967, and earned an E5 Rank in Korea. Burd also retired as a special agent with the United States Forest Service after 32 years of service. 

Dennis also stated that after retiring, Burd went on to work with the District Attorney’s Office, working on cold case homicides while maintaining his love for ranches and rodeos. Burd joined the Ski-Hi Stampede Board in 1965, after buying a Stock Certificate in the Ski-Hi Stampede with the money that he won from his rodeo earnings. 

It was mentioned that Burd also traveled all over the United States to other PRCA sanctioned rodeos to gather information on how to provide the best rodeo performance for those who attended the Ski-Hi Stampede. Burd also continued his career in rodeo and won the championship bareback riding competition in 1977, and 1983. 

Burd also had a very fulfilling and successful career transitioning from rodeo participant to committee member, to president, showing his commitment and dedication to professional rodeo. It was also mentioned that Burd has made numerous friends, encouraged cowboys, and shown love for his community, family, and ranching roots over the years. 

“The City Council of Monte Vista, Colorado, honors Charlie Burd on his 50th anniversary, as a board member of the Ski-Hi Stampede and rodeo celebrating his legacy of dedication, enthusiasm, and outstanding public service, declaring July 11, 2025, as Charlie Burd Day,” Dennis said. 

Burd was at the meeting and thanked everyone. 

“Thank you all for all of the support I have gotten these 50 years. Thank you all,” he said. 

Everyone who was at the meeting clapped for Burd, and members of City Council stepped down and hugged and shook Burd’s hand.  

Dennis also read her report for council members at the meeting stating that she was also going to give an update on the search for a police chief. 

“We have 17 applicants. How the process goes now is, I will pick eight or maybe 10. The recruiting firm will do the initial Zoom interviews with them. I will get to watch those and decide OK, who are we going to leave this down to,” she said. 

Dennis said she is optimistic about the applicants, and they have some local people who have applied, along with in-house people and out of state. “We have done a good job, getting the word out, and getting some applications to look at,” she said. 

The next City Council meeting will be held July 17, as July 3 is close to the fourth and this meeting will be skipped in lieu of the holiday.