With the young Stampede football and cheerleading season getting ready to start soon, the youth organization hosted its inaugural Stampede Meet and Greet over the weekend. Players, coaches, cheerleaders, alum, families and board members gathered at Kerr Park in Oakdale for the event on Saturday and had a large turnout.

“We had about 150 people show up. I think it went really well, for being our first time doing it,” said Spirit Coordinator Alicia London on the event, who originally suggested the ‘Meet and Greet.’ “We wanted to host an event where new players, cheerleaders and parents can all come together with those who have been with the program for years and introduce themselves. It can be intimidating being the new person in town or to a new program. Our goal was to have everyone relax and get to know each other before our season starts. It is important to make every family feel welcomed and comfortable.”

Those in attendance enjoyed the shade filled park with activities, games, face painting, food and more. The Stampede provided attendees with complimentary barbequed hot dogs, chips, water and sno-cones. Along with the treats, raffle prizes were also given out. With nearly $700 raised in tickets sold, lucky participants went home with Stampede gift bags that included items like home tickets to the games, official Stampede merchandise, tri tip sandwiches and more. The final item to be raffled off was the custom made Stampede Football Cornhole set. Shelle Dias had her name drawn and went home with the prize.

“Cornhole is a popular game and it went over well. We will be raffling off another set at an upcoming Stampede home game,” said London.

Stampede football and cheer begins practice this week and take the field to start their season on Saturday, Aug. 27 at The Corral when they host the Central Valley 49ers.