What's new at the Strathmore Stampede?

This year's Strathmore Stampede will be looking quite different than before. While we can expect the rodeo action to be amazing as usual, there will be a lot of new activities and events to check out as well!

The biggest change is that this year's Stampede won't have the midway. This gave the Stampede a chance to bring back a more traditional western fair style event, which Event Coordinator Kate Dubois is very excited for.

"We had an old county fair experience with our beer and barbecue and it went over really well, so we wanted to try to bring some of that back for the Stampede as well."

Gord Stewart will be a huge part of bringing this style of fair to Strathmore. Dubois explained that he'll be bringing plenty of activities for the kids to enjoy.

"He will be bringing a variety of kids activities, both Saturday and Sunday for the kids to check out. Like potato sack races, horse rides or pony rides in the Heritage Arena throughout the day as well. It will be super fun, I think the kids will enjoy it."

Another huge addition will be Can Am Wrestling. They'll be making their Strathmore Stampede debut, where kids will have the chance to learn some wrestling moves and even see a show!

"They'll be showing kids the quick demos on how to do certain moves, and then in the evening from 4-5 p.m. they'll be doing mini shows that I think everyone should check out, it'll be a pretty unique experience."

Dubois explained the demos will be divided by age groups. 12-2 p.m. will be for the 6-10 year olds, 2-4 p.m. will be for 11-15 year olds and 6-8 p.m. will be for anyone 16 or older. Can Am Wrestling will also be giving somebody a chance to do wrestling beyond just the Stampede events.

"They've also partnered with 104.5 More Country to present the Steve Gillespie scholarship which will give one lucky participant the chance to get into the Alberta Wrestling Academy."

Plenty of animals will be new to the Stampede as well! Kisling Farms will be bringing a petting zoo with goats, pigs, bunnies, chickens, and maybe even a donkey! Cobbs Adventure Park will also join in on the animal fun. They'll be bringing an exhibit to the curling rink that will have reptiles, lizards and frogs. If that's not your style, they'll also have cute and cuddly kangaroos. While Cobbs has been to the Strathmore Stampede before, they haven't been here in a while so it could be a new experience for many people.

In case that wasn't enough new things to look forward to, Dubois added the Trade Show will have plenty of new booths, and there will be a lot of other kids' activities as well. With all the new activities plus the existing ones like the rodeo and Extreme Dogs returning, there will be no shortage of things to do at this year's Stampede.

Check out this year's schedule of Strathmore Stampede at the Strathmore Stampede Info Stop!