The origin of the Strathmore Stampede

John Godsman
Times Contributor

 

The first-ever Strathmore Stampede was held on July 19, 1921, which coincided with the opening of the Great War Memorial Hall. This became an annual event until 1929, when it ended mainly due to the Depression, but also because the ‘Memorial Hall’ construction loan had been repaid.
In the 1950’s, cowboys from across Canada and the northern states of the U.S. travelled great distances to attend and participate at the Calgary Stampede, which at that time always started the first Monday of July.
A couple of prominent ranchers, Jack and Maggie Hartell, decided Cheadle and area needed something to help celebrate what is now known as Canada Day on July 1.
This led to the ‘July 1st Rodeo’ being held on their ranch, which was located beside what is now the ‘Fuel’ Automotive Accessories building 6 km west of Strathmore. Surrounding farms provided livestock, and events included calf roping, barrel racing, pole bending, etc. I’m told that the brown fencing on the east side of the ‘Fuel’ building surrounds the ground where the original rodeo was held.
This rodeo started in 1959, and was held annually at this location until 1966, when it was moved to the south end of Kinsman Park, close to where the water park is now located. In 1967, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Canada, there was a Centennial Horse Ride from Medicine Hat to Calgary. When they reached Strathmore, they participated in a Centennial Rodeo.
In 1976, the rodeo name changed to ‘Whooper-up Days’ and moved to The Strathmore & District Agricultural Society Grounds. However, the City of Lethbridge complained, because they already had an event called ‘Fort Whoop Up Days’ which takes place annually the third week of August.
In 1994, the name changed to Strathmore Heritage Days Rodeo, and is now known as the Strathmore Stampede. Hard work by hundreds of volunteers has made this the third largest rodeo in Canada, featuring a professional rodeo, chuckwagon races and the Running With the Bulls.