"This isn't a simple riding arena," Says Ag Society On Proposed Western Events Centre

There is something new coming down the track for the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society (SDAS). 

It is something that has been dreamed up by the Strathmore Ag Society Board members for a couple of years now, explained General Manager and CEO of the Ag Society, Ryan Schmidt.  

“For many years, the Agricultural Society has had what was once, I'd say, a dream, to have a Western Event Center in Strathmore. In 2019 we took the step of developing our five-year strategic plan and really at the heart of that strategic plan was to include this project.” 

“Our vision is that by 2025 Strathmore and Wheatland County will be home to a state-of-the-art Western Event Centre,” Schmidt announced. “This isn’t a simple riding arena. This is a gathering place for large events, but it is also something that will attract hundreds of visitors to the region every weekend, and thousands of visitors for special events.”  

“We envisioned that it would include a year-round Rodeo Academy, the only of its kind in Canada, and a practical ranching school attached to it using the rest of our land at the site, which is approximately 151 acres. “ 

Schmidt continued to say that they are hoping that eventually, the rodeo academy will come to mind when parents think of enrolling their kids in programs like hockey or ringette.  

“A central feature of this, which is equally important and associated with this facility, is the practical ranching school with which we would work with high schools and colleges on certifying.”  

The practical ranching school will give those interested in the field, who may not have grown up on a farm, the opportunity to get hands-on experience. 

“It would be a year-round program where you could learn everything from calving to doctoring cattle to cutting hay and feeding nutrition.” 

In addition to the programs to be held at this facility, Schmidt is excited for the type of events that can be held. 

“We have put huge doors on this facility so you could get farm equipment and RVs in. You can put matting across the ground and hold concerts for up to 2,000 people.” 

There will also be a separate event centre that can hold up to 600 people for weddings, conventions, and annual general meetings.  

“The idea of this facility is that as a non-profit, our goal is to serve youth groups like 4H youth organizations. So we would make this facility available at a very low cost during the week.”  

The projected aim for  completion of this facility is 2024.