The first competition held against competitors from outside Merritt was held on July 22^nd, 1925 when Merritt lawn bowlers faced off against lawn bowlers from Kamloops. It was described as being a well attended event, with a large gallery of people attending. Although the match had to be cut short due to a lack of lighting as the sun set, the teams from Merritt collectively defeated Kamloops 66-46. The game was followed by a luncheon held on the Bowling Green.

The stampede was a reported success with the Merritt Herald writing that approximately 2000 people packing Voght Park where the stampede was held both on Friday, August 3^rd and Saturday, August 4^th with people coming as far as Victoria and Calgary to attend. There were approximately 100 contestants competing in a variety of competitions from calf roping, steer wrestling, wild cow milking, broncho riding, and more. A total of 50 horses and 50 heads of cattle were used throughout the course of the rodeo.

The stampede did not just have competitions, there was a collection of other forms of entertainment throughout the two day affair, including the city brass band performing, a parade, a clown, a celebration of the early settlers, and a large parade!