Nancy Stafford Is Grand Marshal

This year’s Shady Dale Rodeo Grand Marshal appears “normal” except maybe her “red, white and blue” hair.

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The Shady Dale Rodeo is celebrating its 40th year, and will take place Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8 at the Shady Dale Rodeo Grounds on Hwy. 83 about a mile south of the four-way intersection in Shady Dale.

Mrs. Stafford will be honored during the Rodeo Round-up Festival which takes place from 10 am.. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. She will lead the Rodeo Parade which happens at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8

You have seen Mrs. Stafford around Monticello volunteering to help the primary school kids read with her dog Newman, who is a registered therapy dog or presenting handmade Quilts of Valor to honor veterans including several WWII veteran as part of the Lake Oconee Quilt Guild.

She was a Girl Scout leader for 11 years and has helped out with 4-H clubs.

She has served with the American Legion since 2020, stepping up to handle whatever is needed, being in charge of publicity for a time, and helping wherever is needed.

“The one thing I haven’t been able to do is be the Rodeo Queen but I guess Grand Marshal is close enough, and being the Grand Marshal tops my eight year Air Force career,” said Mrs. Stafford.

She is married to Phil Stafford, also an Air Force veteran, and they live near Shady Dale in Monticello.