Ag society’s June concert “unlikely,” hopeful for Stampede

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore and District Agricultural Society has stated its planned June 6 concert is “unlikely” considering COVID-19 but is holding out hope for the Strathmore Rodeo.
The COVID-19 public health crisis has put much of what the organization does in jeopardy, said chief executive officer Ryan Schmidt.
“Almost everything that the ag society does involves gathering groups of people together: rodeos, concerts, agricultural events, baseball (and) community group events at our facilities,” said Schmidt. “This means that almost everything we do is no longer allowed in this current COVID-19 reality.”
But Schmidt remains optimistic.
“We are a hopeful and strong organization, and plans are in place to relaunch 100 per cent once this passes,” said Schmidt. “The whole town and region are in this together, and we’ll get through it together.
“Once it passes, we’ll once again gather to celebrate our strong western heritage through the many events the ag society puts on.”
The ag society has planned for a June 6 concert, featuring Emerson Drive and Aaron Pritchett, in what represents, “the first major concert Strathmore has hosted in many years,” said Schmidt. “The whole region has been pretty excited about it.”
However, proceeding with the concert is “unlikely,” based on advice from Alberta Health Services and various levels of government.
“We are currently working on finding a rescheduled date for the concert that will be on the other side of the crisis,” said Schmidt. “After this challenging time, we’ll all be wanting something to look forward to.”
All ag society facilities, except for the campground, are now closed.
“The campground will remain open as many residents live there year-round,” said Schmidt.
Regarding the Strathmore Stampede, planned for the August long weekend, the ag society is “watching the implications of COVID-19.
“While at this point we have made no changes to Stampede plans, we are developing responses to various scenarios,” said Schmidt. “As we learn more and get closer to the date, we’ll be in a better position to speak to any potential changes to the event.”