Nampa
The promise of water brought many emigrants to the Nampa area. In 1890 there was one canal serving the Nampa area, and in 1891, an extension of the Ridenbaugh Canal was completed – the same year the Town of Nampa was incorporated.
Originally a railroad town, the streets of Nampa were laid out North and South – based on the railroad tracks. As the town grew, this later changed to true North and South, leading to some occasional odd intersections in the town.
A street fair was organized in 1908, growing into a popular local event called the Harvest Festival. In 1913 a bronco bucking contest was added, and from that little contest, the Snake River Stampede was born. Held every year in July, cowboys and cowgirls come from all over the world to compete in one of the top 10 regular season professional rodeos.
Lake Lowell sits to the South of Nampa and is vital to farmers. A man-made lake, Lake Lowell helps provide irrigation water to surrounding farms and is surrounded by the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. The lake is a popular spot for boaters and fishermen in the summertime.
Nampa has continued to grow over the years, but still maintains it agricultural roots. Every Saturday from April to October, downtown Nampa is host to the Farmer’s Market. It is also home to one of the largest non-motorized parades – the Snake River Stampede Parade.