One hundred years ago, the world was still embroiled in the First World War. While the conflict was thousands of miles away from the home of rancher Jack Miller, he wanted to do his part.
From this, 100 years ago, the Hand Hills Lake Stampede was born.
Today it is one of the oldest rodeos in Alberta, and every year it consistently attracts hundreds of competitors and spectators for the three days of cowboy culture. It is billed as the “Up Close and Personal Rodeo.”
Its humble beginning in 1917 was to raise funds for the Red Cross. The Lonebutte Red Cross was already active in the area. An annual Picnic and Sports Day at the Lonebutte School was sponsored by the UFA. It was suggested they pass a hat to support the Red Cross, which came into its own as a humanitarian organization during the Great War. As reported in the Hand Hills Heritage, some of the UFA members protested. Miller was in attendance and he volunteered to put on a show at his ranch and donate the entire proceeds to the Red Cross.
Miller worked closely with the Lonebutte Red Cross. He took on planning, financing and advertising. He assembled a crew with names that are still recognized in the area today, such as Murray Heaton, Les Flett and Jim Lawson, to name a few. They set about getting a track and corrals set up for the show.
The show was slated for July 20, but wagons full of cowboys and spectators were arriving the day before. For a $1 ribbon, they were granted admission.
Some of the initial events included pony races, horse races and even a slow horse race. There was also a slow car race, which was a hit.
There was also bronc riding and there were nine entries including Wes Greenwood, Fult Johnson, Albert DuBois, Herman McEvoy, Fred Vowel, Tom Bear, Miles Clark, Day Lenfesty and Ed Bell. Lenfesty won the day.
The day wound up with a dance in the hayloft.
It was a success, and it raised a hefty sum of $3,200 in 1917. Miller was asked to host it again and did so the following year.
In 1919, the Hand Hills Lake Club was formed, and the production and operations were turned over to the club. It was in this same year that 80 acres were donated by Col. Eaton, the Liberal representative in the Dominion government for the Hand Hills Lake Club. The event has been held there ever since.
The event has endured and this year is celebrating its centennial. There are a number of special events planned.
Keep reading The Drumheller Mail as the event nears for more on the Hand Hills Lake Stampede, and its colourful history.
