CHAT News File Photo

By Omran Wahidy

Stampede a success after drawing big crowds

Jul 31, 2023 | 5:19 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Four fun-filled days featuring food, games, and music came to an end as the Medicine Hat Stampede & Exhibition wrapped up on the weekend.

The final numbers for the event have yet to be released, but organizers say this year’s Stampede was a huge success.

“We had a great year again this year, and people sure came out. Our rodeo on Friday night was sold right out you couldn’t buy a ticket for the rodeo,” says Ron Edwards, general manager of the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede.

The rodeo elevated this time around with a lot more eyes on the event, but not just on the rodeo grounds.

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“Friday night we were sold out and were on the Cowboy channel this year for the first time, live. That was a really big thing for us as well. Lots of people saw the Medicine Hat Stampede and Exhibiton rodeo,” says Edwards.

The rodeo wasn’t the only attraction that drew the eyes of Hatters. When you think of Stampede, you also think of rides, games and food.

“Our midway, we broke all records on the midway. This was the biggest year we have ever had on the midway, so there was people out here all over the grounds. Everybody was doing something,” says Edwards.

The grounds were busy with raffle sales also going up, but much of the anticipation was for the night shows. The event included performances by Dean Brody, Joe Nichols and more.

“Our concerts were really full, we did a really good job on that and the weather was perfect for them to come out in the evening and enjoy the concerts.”

Ron also says, “people were having a lot of fun, you see them dancing out in the dirt. The dirt was packed right in front of the stage.”

Now that the event has wrapped up, Edwards says the cleaning commences with a new bar to reach for next year. The planning starts immediately for the team.

“We do plan starting right away and we even have acts that are booked for next year already. We are always in the process of working for the following year.”

Edwards added that the economic impact of the Stampede on our city is huge and thanked all staff and volunteers who worked hard to put the show together.