The much-anticipated three-day weekend in June for most rodeo fans in Stettler and area is the local Stampede weekend, which has its own appeal.
With residents gearing up to participate in all the various activities that the local businesses and organizations host, it is by far one of the biggest draws for our small town.
Despite the cold and windy weather over the weekend, people came out to watch the parade and take in some of the rodeo action. By Sunday, things were looking up.
Terry Baltimore, who took on the role of Chair of 2017 Steel Wheel Stampede (SWS) committee in Al Campbell’s absence said that his experience and the feedback he had received was extremely positive, even though the weather was not great.
“Truthfully Al Campbell got 90 per cent of the work done, so my job was easy,” Baltimore stated. “I had a committee that went above and beyond this year so that helped immensely, with that being said you are never truly prepared as there are so many aspects to putting on an event of this magnitude, so you just do the best you can.”
Baltimore added that the stampede has evolved over the years.
“The Stampede has grown and has many different events now, which include the car club’s show and shine, the quilt show, the stampede market, the steer and heifer show and the antique tractor club’s tractor rodeo,” Baltimore said.
One of the many highlights, according to Baltimore this year was the town councillors and county councillors competing against each other, driving antique tractors through an obstacle course.
“The town councillors won all three races, so the county will be trying to even the score next year!” Baltimore said.
For an event of this scale, there’s always room for improvement, Baltimore explained and he hopes that each year they can keep growing and exceeding people’s expectations.
“People come out because we put on a good show and we have some of the best cowboys anywhere, besides the livestock we get is top notch,” Baltimore commented.
On Friday, June 9, there were 514 people on the grounds of which 327 attended the rodeo, while on Saturday there were 670 people on the grounds, of which 392 attended the rodeo.
As the Stampede celebrates its tenth year in 2018, Baltimore said that the committee is excited and looking forward to planning and executing a grander event.
“I would like to thank all the volunteers, sponsors and all my fellow committee members, who make my job easier,” Baltimore concluded.