Stampede will be ‘The Place to Be’
Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede is “The Place to Be” as organizers unveiled the official poster and slogan for 2018.
“The Stampede grounds is about 90 acres, there’s lots of big halls, grandstand, barns, there’s lots of unique buildings and it’s a unique space,” said MHES general manager Jim McArthur on the formulation behind this year’s slogan and poster, officially announced Tuesday.
Having such a large physical space is one thing that sets them apart, he said, and they also wanted with the imagery to show gatherings of people, and how the Stampede grounds are a place where people come together.
McArthur also wanted to emphasize the number of volunteers and the hard work that goes on behind the scene — even well before the Stampede takes place in July — to make everything happen throughout the year.
Bronc and Honky Tonks Indoor Spring Rodeo
The annual spring rodeo is fast approaching, with dates set for April 6, 7 and 8. The Friday and Saturday rodeo will start at 7 p.m., followed by dance and beer garden.
The Sunday rodeo begins at 1:30 p.m., as part of a family day performance.
Sunday is also the crowd favourite “Mutton Bustin’” — with entry forms now available, and kids able to enter up until April 3.
Princess for a Day
The Princess for a Day competition also returns this year, open to girls age 8 to 12.
Entry forms are now available, with the final deadline to enter on March 27. The competition gives the winner a chance to spend the day with Stampede Queen Lacey Palichuck, and Princess Ava Padfield.
Chuckwagons
Stampede will once again be hosting chuckwagon races this year, set for June 14-17.
“We have a new threeyear contract with the World Professional Chuckwagon Association, so that means the WPCA pro-tour will be racing in Medicine Hat through to 2020,=. So that’s big news for us,” said McArthur.
The format will be similar to past years, said McArthur, but they’re hoping to do a little more for the last day — with a sudden death championship dash for cash in the works.
Tickets for the Spring rodeo and Chuckwagon go on sale Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.