Strathmore Stampede a success in spite of extreme weather

Melissa Strle
Times Reporter

 

Strathmore heralded in another successful Stampede and Heritage Days from July 29 to Aug. 1 amid unpredictable weather and rampant rainstorms that cancelled some performances on Saturday night.
The popular Running with the Bulls, the wild horse/pony races and the chuckwagon races were cancelled Saturday evening as severe weather patterns entered the area.
According to Herb McLane, general manager of the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society, safety is of utmost importance in scheduling these type of events. The safety of the animals and the amateur public that participate in this event was taken into consideration with regards to weather patterns and a decision was made to cancel this event.
After meeting on Sunday morning, the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society cancelled the second Running with the Bulls due to the wet infield. Other events on Sunday went scheduled as planned. The society also provided refunds for the Saturday evening events.
“Clearly we’ve had some challenges with weather events, so those needed to be responded to, always,” said McLane. “Safety is our primary concern. Safety for our guests on the park. Safety for our athletes – two-legged and four-legged – and so safety is always paramount and the first default position that we go to with making decisions on events, scheduling, and responding and cancelling.”
The cancelling and subsequent reorganization of the remainder of the Stampede required the co-operation of a number of stakeholders including volunteers, emergency services and sport governing bodies that were consulted with regards to the decision to postpone events.
McLane stated that attendance was off a bit due to weather, but Friday was a really good day and the Saturday rodeo turned out very well.
In spite of the unforeseen weather events, the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society swiftly and efficiently organized a backup plan to reschedule a fourth make-up, aggregate final chuckwagon race on Tuesday, Aug. 2. The Tuesday performance provided general seating with a flat rate fee, and limited food and beverage service.
Canada’s third largest rodeo drew over 400 world class cowboys and cowgirls. There were also 36 chuckwagon drivers and a number of outriders on hand.
Rodeo events included saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, steer riding, roping and ladies barrel racing.
Aside from the bad weather, the remainder of Heritage Days proved a success.
“We liked our program, the rodeo was good, there were snappy performances, the competition was high, same with the wagons … very exciting for the fans,” said McLane.
The Ag Society was pleased to have the SuperDogs here this year for the first time, for three days on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and the Running of the Dachshunds was a real crowd pleaser.
Entertainment on the outdoor stage featured great acts such as hypnotist Marilyn Olsen, Little Buckaroos, Tim Holland puppet tamer and ventriloquist, DooDoo the Clown, Lori Kole and the Lonesome Dove Band.
The Heritage Arena events included heavy horse pulls and “drive a team and wagon.”
The entire grounds were licensed so patrons were able to wander freely around the grounds with a beverage if they chose. This feature started in 2015 and services were provided by the Heritage Wine Cellar and the beer gardens.
The tradeshow provided many unique products and Cobb’s Carnival kept the kids well entertained with a myriad different activities.