Retired Fire Chief Steve Murphy named Bronc Day grand marshal
The July 25 festival will feature a parade, family activities, live music, food vendors and free events throughout the day
By Heidi Bailey, Pikes Peak Courier
When Steve Murphy assisted his local fire department during a major snowstorm in April 1997, he had no idea he would someday retire as fire chief of the Green Mountain Falls – Chipita Park Fire Department.
Murphy, who retired this spring, will lead the parade as grand marshal of the 88th annual Bronc Day Festival on July 25.
Murphy is a Colorado native, born in Colorado Springs and raised in Manitou Springs. In 1986, he and his wife of 44 years, Francie, made their home in Green Mountain Falls.
“With my father having served as a volunteer firefighter in Manitou Springs,” Murphy said, “the fire service has long been a meaningful part of my life.”
In 2006, Murphy was elected fire chief by his fellow volunteers, succeeding longtime Chief Rich Bowman. Four years later, in 2010, the district board transitioned the fire chief role into a full-time paid position.
“Over the past 20 years,” Murphy said, “I’ve had the privilege of leading an exceptional group of volunteers, guided by the support and mentorship of many in the fire and EMS community. Serving the residents of the Ute Pass area has been both an honor and a deeply rewarding experience, filled with lasting friendships.”
Murphy and his wife have one son, Emerson, who volunteered with the department before moving to Denver. Murphy is also a proud grandfather to two grandsons, Spencer and Arthur, and looks forward to spending more “Papa Chief” time with them.
He extends heartfelt thanks to his wonderful and patient wife, Francie, for her unwavering support and for putting up with nearly three decades of fire department shenanigans.
Each year, Bronc Day names a grand marshal to recognize outstanding service to the Green Mountain Falls community. Murphy will lead the parade starting at 10 a.m.
The theme of this year’s Bronc Day parade is “Let Freedom Ring!”
“2026 is a year of major milestones,” said parade organizer Nancy Dixon. “Bronc Day will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America and the 150th anniversary of Colorado.”
Dixon invites parade entries of all kinds, from children on foot to bicycles, strollers, horses, businesses, community groups and floats.
“We encourage you to incorporate bells into your parade entry,” Dixon said. “Sleigh bells, cowbells, handbells, jingle bells, bicycle bells. Use your imagination!”
Parade entries have the chance to win ribbons. The grand prize winner will take home a blue ribbon and have their name engraved on the traveling trophy.
This year, participants will need to impress an unusual judge. Dennis the Emu will serve as one of the three parade judges.
Bronc Day is presented by Building Ute Pass Community and sponsored by The Colorado Trust, Colorado Horse and Hay, Park State Bank and Trust, Wines of Colorado and individual donors.
If You Go
Kids can participate in the free Bronc Day Games, including stick pony and gunny sack races. Free swimming will be available at the Green Mountain Falls municipal pool.
Additional free activities include rubber duck races, Fairy Tale Events’ princesses, a bounce house, Cool Science experiments, Dinosaur Resource Center activities, touch-a-truck, face painting, balloon animals, magic shows, bubble fun and an all ages coloring station.
The Farm Stand will host the pie contest, followed by music by the Backroads Band. More than 30 vendors will offer handmade goods in Gazebo Lake Park. Food trucks include Grilled Cheese, City Dogs, Dani’s Thai BBQ, Kona Ice and Pikes Peak Funnel Cake.
To register for the parade and pie contest, or for more information, visit BroncDayFestival.org.
Schedule
7:30-10 a.m.: Pancake breakfast at Church in the Wildwood, 10585 Ute Pass Ave.
9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Art market, pie contest, food trucks and family activities at Gazebo Park, 100 Lake St.
10 a.m.: Parade on Ute Pass Avenue, Joyland Church to Hotel Street.
11 a.m.: Rubber duck race and free swimming at Pool Park.
1 p.m.: Backroads Band at the Green Box Farmstead, Lake Street.
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