Stampede and Heritage Days ready to go

Brad Everett
Times Contributor

 

Strathmore Stampede and Heritage Days are putting the finishing touches on another outstanding four days of entertainment and excitement featuring professional rodeo, chuckwagon races, Running With the Bulls and, of course, various music acts from July 29 to Aug. 1.
Once again Strathmore is a stop on the Wrangler Canadian Professional Rodeo Tour, drawing some of the top professional cowboys and cowgirls from across Canada and the United States for four performances. As well, the 36 drivers and outfits of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association will be here for four days of racing.
“Part of the appeal of the Strathmore Stampede is its professional rodeo and chuckwagon racing, but it’s more affordable than the Calgary Stampede and people can be closer to the action,” said Herb McLane, general manager of the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society, which organizes the event.
The SPR Running of the Bulls is set for 6 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday before the chuckwagon races. Each night, up to 80 contestants will have the opportunity to run with the bulls for a $1,000 cash prize.
“The running of the bulls is popular with both contestants and fans. While it has an element of danger, our objective is the safety of both the contestants and the bulls,” said McLane.
On the Heritage Days side of things, this year has gone to the dogs – more specifically, three daily shows by SuperDogs from Friday to Sunday, and Running with the Dachshunds on Monday.
There will also be light horse events such as gymkhana, and heavy horse pulls in the Heritage Arena from Saturday to Monday.
Friday night’s classic rock concert features one of Canada’s best-known groups, Prism. As well, on Sunday night the Strathmore Musical Arts Society presents a concert by Longhaul and the Levesque Family.
Cobb’s Carnival will be there for the whole event with games and rides for children and young adults.
For those needing a break from all the action, the Wine Cellar, sponsored by Co-op Wine and Spirits, Eagle Lake Nurseries and Eagle Lake Landscape, will be open.
“We hope people will see the Stampede and Heritage Days as a chance to holiday at home, take the family out and have a good time at a good value,” said McLane.
For more information and on-line ticket sales go to: strathmoreag.com/strathmore-stampede, or call 403-934-5811.