The Strathmore Stampede has taken place for approximately 69 years and remains one of the town's most anticipated summer traditions.
This year's event runs from Aug. 1 to 4 at the Strathmore Ag Grounds.
While the modern Stampede began in the 1960s, the first-ever Strathmore Stampede was introduced more than 100 years ago.
According to Strathmore, The Village That Moved, published by the Strathmore History Book Committee, the origins of the stampede are detailed in "History of The Strathmore Stampede" by Harold Taylor and Dorothy Knight, with research by Ted Schulte.
The inaugural Stampede was held on July 19, 1921, and ran annually until 1929, when it was discontinued due to the Great Depression.
Back then, the Stampede grounds were located south of 6 Street and north of the primary school.
The 1923 stampede was described as "one of the most successful Stampedes," according to the book, and drew in a crowd of approximately 2,500 attendees. The recorded admission price was $1.00. The stampede was a one-day event typically held between July 14 and 19.
The parade began at Memorial Hall, continued north on 1 Avenue, east to Railroad Street, then along to Main Street at the King Edward Hotel to the Union Bank Corner. It ended at the AgGrounds.
Events included a wide range of competitions such as a half-mile and one-mile horse races, Indian and pony races, girls' and cowboy races, relay races, wild horse races, and bucking competitions. There were also wild cow milking contests, steer riding and roping, best bucking horse, pony races for schoolchildren, Shetland pony races, and prizes for best teepee, best-dressed cowboy, cowgirl, and Indigenous participant.
In 1923, a dance was introduced, accompanied by Capt. Bagley's Orchestra.
Early chuckwagon races used farm horses, with the winner being the first to unhook their team and get smoke to rise from a stove on the wagon.
By 1927, a boxing competition had been added. According to the book, the matches were managed by Jimmy Gunna and proved to be very popular. That year also featured donated fireworks.
The stampede did not resume after 1929. "History of The Strathmore Stampede" suggests this was "due mainly to the Depression and partly due to some lack of interest after the Memorial Hall debt was paid off."
Decades later, a small rodeo revived the tradition on July 1, 1959. In 1966, the Stampede returned as a chamber-sponsored rodeo. By 1976, it had grown into the modern-day Strathmore Stampede, which continues as a four-day annual event.
Today, the Stampede includes modern attractions like a concert, a cabaret, wrestling matches, and the popular "running with the bulls." Chuckwagon races now feature thoroughbred horses, and a wrestling show has replaced the former boxing match. Rodeo staples such as bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and chuckwagon racing remain the event staples.
Admission to the Ag Grounds is included with a ticket to the rodeo, which starts at $38. The grounds also feature a wide array of market vendors, food trucks, and entertainment.
From its humble roots in the 1920s to its current standing as a highly anticipated event in southern Alberta, the Strathmore Stampede continues to highlight the community's agricultural heritage and western culture.