New attractions for the Strathmore Stampede
Aryssah Stankevitsch
Times Reporter
For this year’s 40th Annual Strathmore Stampede, some notable changes have been set. The top ten contestants in each event will now compete in a championship final round on August 5 at 11 a.m. With this new, more attractive format, the winner of the totals will be crowned as one of the top 42 cowboys in the world, and receive a cheque for just under $10,000.
The championships will be broadcast by i-Link on TV, and shown on a live webcast.
The Stampede is also attempting to beat the world record for highest pole climb, for a total of 100 ft. There will be a full-on midway from A1 instruments as well, including a sling shot, inverter, tilt-a-whirl, star trooper, and spider (see you on the tilt-a-whirl until I get sick).
If none of those events are for you, enjoy some music from West Coast Lumberjack.
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to support the rodeo, especially with all of the coming attractions.
“It’s always a mammoth effort to do anyway,” said Jim Cammaert, CEO of the Strathmore Agricultural Society. “This year I think we’re going over the top with the entertainment value.”
The Ag Society is adding additional funding to support this new venture, hoping to bring larger audiences to Strathmore.
“It’ll take us probably around three years before we see substantial growth,” Rodeo Chairman Pascal Del Guercio said. “We do expect some kind of a growth in people coming to watch the show because now it becomes a finals that people can identify with, and at the end of the day, they will see the champion in each of the events, just like they do in Calgary.”
Del Guercio hopes that the rodeo won’t simply attract people to visit Strathmore, but possibly to live also.
“When we have a very successful show, it brings a lot of people to town, and we feel with time that will bring more people to Strathmore, that want to live there and be part of the community,” he said.
There will be free parking and camping, and the south infield stands are now reserved rather than rushing to grab a seat.
No dull moments this year. Tickets are currently on sale for the Strathmore Stampede, taking place on the Civic Holiday long weekend (Aug. 2 – 5), at the Ag Office. They can be reached at 403-934-5811.