Ag society shows appreciation to Stampede volunteers

By Lorenzo Gavilan Vargas Times Reporter

The Strathmore & District Agricultural Society held an appreciation dinner at the Civic Centre for the volunteers of the Strathmore Stampede just after the gates closed on Aug. 2.

At the dinner, multiple prizes were available to be won. Strathmore Ag Society CEO Ryan Schmidt said the over 350 volunteers present all had a smile on their face.

“I think they were so excited to give up their time in the community, that it seemed like they were smiling nonstop all weekend, and that really makes a difference for the attendees. We always want to thank them. We can’t do this event without volunteers.”

In attendance was MLA Leela Aheer, MP Martin Shields, and Miss Rodeo Canada Alicia Erickson, all of whom gave a speech expressing their gratitude. After that, the prizes were drawn. 

“This year they were awarded the inaugural 2022 Strathmore Stampede poster. It’s framed and that’s copy number one and they can put that on their wall at home. They got two Strathmore Stampede Windbreakers, they got a couple of beautiful Strathmore Stampede Yeti mugs and they got $50 each gift certificates,” said Schmidt.

He says everyone is grateful for each volunteer’s time.

“It’s to thank them because they give so much of their time. The way I think of it is they’re giving the gift of this event to the community and to all the people who come through the door. So because of them 45 thousand people could enjoy themselves at the Strathmore Stampede this year.”