Strathmore Stampede wins prestigious award

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Stampede has been named the Large Rodeo Committee of the Year during the Canadian Finals Rodeo – a first for the organization. 

According to Ryan Schmidt, general manager and CEO of the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society, the awards take place on an annual basis and are voted by the contestants who attend rodeos across Canada.

“Essentially, every year at the Canadian Finals Rodeo, there is a big Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Annual General Meeting (AGM),” explained Schmidt. “As part of this AGM, awards are provided to rodeos each year and Strathmore won the award for Large Rodeo Committee of the Year, and this is voted by competitors.”

According to Schmidt, it’s the first time the committee has been recognized with the award in recent memory. 

The Strathmore Stampede was not the only rodeo to be awarded, as there was also a recognition for the Small Rodeo Committee of the Year.

“Nobody remembers ever winning it before. For me, it’s a recognition of the tremendous work that our volunteers do between our rodeo committee and then the army of volunteers behind the committee across the whole event that made the event so special this year,” said Schmidt. “This is a recognition of their tremendous contribution to the Strathmore Stampede. Really, it’s their award.”

The team has no intention of resting on their laurels, however, as they make plans to make the Strathmore Stampede bigger and better than ever for the 2022 season.

Schmidt explained the show will see a host of returning favourites, and will also expand upon some of the activities that were introduced last year.

“We’re building the event further going into 2022, especially expanding upon our Friday night concert. We announced James Barker Band is coming and we’ll be announcing an opener for James Barker Band shortly,” said Schmidt. “We’ve got the Running with the Bulls, as usual, the chuckwagon races, pro rodeo and a slew of new entertainment. We’re also moving the trade show to a new location and we’re bringing back the wine gardens and a new unique fun zone for kids.”

Schmidt also wished to recognize the Chair of the Rodeo Committee, Sandra Green, for her hard work and regarded her as the face for receiving the award. 

The Strathmore Stampede will be releasing more details about their 2022 iteration of the event later this spring.