The famous “up close and personal rodeo” is back for another season, promising action on the track, in the infield and into the night.
This will be the 105th year for the Hand Hills Lake Stampede, one of the longest-running rodeos in the province. After more than a century, t is one of the top rodeos for spectators and competitors. Last year it won the CPRA Small Committee of the Year, the fourth time in the last six years.
Hand Hills Community President Layton Rosin says there have been a few changes this year. He explains while the ticket price may be up a little, there are more free things for families to enjoy during the three-day long event.
The events kick off on Friday, June 2, with free pancake breakfast and slack starting at noon. The trade show and beer gardens also open at noon, and the first running of the chucks and chariots goes after the rodeo.
The kick off part features the Whiskey Boyz.
“I heard him in Hanna, and he was awesome. He would play the darkness of Johnny Cash, and he jumps to Celine Dion, I don’t know how his voice does it,” said Rosin.
He adds they are doubly blessed with Saturday night’s entertainment at the Cowboy Cabaret featuring Cole Malone.
Saturday cranks up bright and early with pancakes. The Wild Horse Race goes at 11:45 before the official opening.
Chief Ouray Crowfoot of the Siksika Nation is this year’s honoured guest. He is the son of the recently passed Sisoyaki (Amelia Crowfoot Clark). The Grandson of Cecil Crowfoot. The Great Grandson of Aakiinam (Joe Crowfoot) and the Great Great Great Grandson to Issapoomahksika (Chief Crowfoot). Chief Ouray Crowfoot has a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) as well as a Master’s degree in Accounting (MACC) and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Chief Crowfoot spent several years away from Siksika gaining his education and work experience and returned in 2017 to assist the Nation in the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
This is quickly followed by the rodeo performances and then the wild pony races and the chucks and chariots.
Sunday follows the same schedule, with a Christian cowboy church service at 10 a.m.
Rosin says the strength of the rodeo is part of the strength of the community.
“We’re not just a rodeo. We have a hall, we put on dinners and dances, it is there for funerals and weddings,” he said. “People care about things for two weeks. It is really hard to get people to care about something year-round, let alone 100 years. I think that helps us.”
For more information go to www.handhills.ab.ca