Virgil Stampede returns this holiday weekend
Virgil Stampede organizers are confident they can top last year’s milestone event when the fun an excitement returns this weekend.
“Last year’s 50th anniversary inspired us to ramp things up, and we’re not taking the foot of the gas,” says Phil Leboudec, president of the Virgil Business Association, host presenter of the event.
“And that includes bringing back the demolition derby. It was such a hit last year, we’re counting on it getting bigger and better each year.”
The demolition derby is put on by Thrill Show Productions, which promises a wild ride for spectators. It will bring drivers — it has a loyal following who compete to earn points, trophies and cash prizes — but the events are open to anyone who wants to participate, as long as they are 17 years or older, and have a G1 licence. The show begins at 4 p.m. Saturday. People interested in participating can register at thrillshowproductions.on.ca or call 1-519-268-2332.
It’s been more than five decades since a small group of Virgil neighbours decided to organize a small fireworks display for their families to celebrate Victoria Day, which led to the annual stampede — and the fireworks are still the highlight Monday night.
Back for the second year, also celebrating the origins of the stampede, is a miniature horse show organized by Stephen Capell of Minor Brothers Country Living. There are more than 30 classes of show, he said. He is hoping for a good turnout for the Monday event at the ball diamond at the back of the sports park property, beginning at 11 a.m.
John Homeniuk of Homeniuk Rides has agreed to again offer a reduced all-day ride price. Bracelets will be $40 if purchased at the stampede, and can be used for one day, all day, from the time rides begin operating in the morning until closing time. If purchased in advance at Phil’s Valu-Mart on Niagara Stone Road in Virgil, until store closing at 9 p.m. Friday, an all-day bracelet will cost $30.
The store is again sponsoring a kids pavilion Saturday to Monday, with Mad Science, karaoke, pony rides, balloons and an air-brush face-painter. All activities in the kids pavilion are free, with the exception of face painting.
There will be a bike safety rodeo for kids in the Centennial Arena Sunday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with prizes to be won and two bikes to be given away.
Magician and juggler Tim Holland will perform Saturday and Monday, and Mike London of London Reptiles will bring some of his reptiles Saturday and Monday.
Last year was a perfect threeday weekend as far as weather, says Leboudec.
“Let’s be realistic, we were blessed, and weather is a huge factor for an outdoor event like the stampede.”
It was the biggest fundraising success yet, with money directed toward recreational projects in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
But whatever the weather, Leboudec says, “the events are all still going to happen.”
Admission is $5. Children under 15 are admitted free.
The Virgil Stampede is at Virgil Sports Park on Four Mile Creek Road.
For more detailed information visit the Stampede website at www.virgilstampede.com or the Virgil Stampede Facebook page.