By Sheila Corson
Chronicle staff

     Early in the morning of July 22, Stampede’s 75th logo was painted on the pavement at the intersection of Main and Central in Omak to serve as a kick-off for celebratory festivities.
     Colors for the diamond jubilee are black, silver and hot raspberry pink, according to anniversary committee co-chair Diana Parker. Karmen Beeman is the other co-chair.
     Three logos also were painted in East Side Park, aka the Stampede grounds.
     Pink was chosen because it added “pizzazz,” Parker said, and also because of the Tough Enough To Wear Pink breast campaign in which Stampede participates. The program raises money each year based on ticket sales for breast cancer research.
     That same July 22 morning, the 30 new banners highlighting Stampede were hung in town, according to Parker.
     Businesses began selling a new product – Stampede charm bracelets. A few dozen businesses from Riverside, Omak and Okanogan began selling charms and starter bracelets, Parker said.
     Anyone getting the starter bracelet also can receive a map listing where each charm is located on the “Charm Trail.”
     At Weinstein Beverages, 302 Omak Ave., Sunny FM held a live radio feed during a barbecue. Caso’s donated the food, according to Stampede office manager Sarah Grooms, and all proceeds went toward the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign for breast cancer research.
     Other 75th themes will pop up in regular Stampede events, such as the grand parade with a diamond jubilee theme.
     The parade of flags during the grand entry will feature 75 riders instead of the usual 60-65, according to organizer George Dunckel.
     Businesses have shown their support not only through selling bracelets, but also by decorating windows with displays and fresh paint in keeping with the anniversary and rodeo themes, Parker said. She also said Stampede officials plan to have a special postal cancellation featuring the 75th theme.