The Herbert Stampede is preparing to welcome competitors and spectators back for its 39th annual event from July 31 to Aug. 2, continuing a tradition that has become one of southwest Saskatchewan's signature summer weekends.
Held at the Herbert Stampede Grounds, this year's event remains sanctioned by the Canadian Cowboys Association (CCA) and is now also dual-approved by the Chinook Rodeo Association (CRA), giving competitors even more opportunities to earn points while bringing top rodeo talent to Herbert.
For Levi Speir, president of the Herbert Stampede Committee, the event is both a weekend of exciting rodeo entertainment and a nod to community roots.
"The Herbert Stampede started in Herbert in 1987," Speir recalls. "Before that, it was held at Elm Grove, about 20 miles north of Herbert. A group of local volunteers built a rodeo arena in town and moved the rodeo here. Since then, it's grown from an amateur rodeo into one of the highest-paying CCA rodeos on the circuit."
Last year, the rodeo awarded more than $70,000 in prize money, and organizers are once again offering $3,500 in added prize money for each major event and $750 for novice events.
Competitors will also be vying for buckles in every event, a high-point saddle and a timed-event high-point buckle.
Entertainment for the whole family
While championship rodeo action remains the centrepiece of the weekend, organizers have built a full schedule of activities designed for all ages.
Saturday and Sunday feature mutton busting during the rodeo intermission, while pony races following each performance give young riders a chance to shine. Sunday's popular Wild Cow Race promises plenty of excitement before the afternoon rodeo begins.
Beyond the arena, visitors can enjoy the Wild West Parade on Saturday morning and a downtown car show, making the entire community part of the celebration.
New additions this year include a large video screen with instant replay, along with a food booth and beer gardens throughout the weekend.
The entertainment continues after the rodeo each evening, with Bonfire Moon performing Friday night and Cooper Trupeau taking the stage Saturday night.
A family tradition
As Speir explains, the Herbert Stampede is also a family tradition.
"Several members of my family were on the founding board," he says. "My stepdad is still on the committee, and now my brother is on the committee as well, so we're continuing that family tradition."
The event has become the community's largest annual gathering, attracting more than 2,500 people through the gates last year while providing a significant boost for local businesses and organizations.
"It means a lot to the town," Speir says. "It's our biggest event."
The first rodeo performance begins Friday, July 31, at 6 p.m., followed by performances on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Speir says the success of the Herbert Stampede continues to depend on the many volunteers and committee members who return year after year to help facilitate the event. He also highlights its sponsors, without which the weekend wouldn’t be possible:
For more information and event updates, visit herbertstampede.com or follow the Herbert Stampede on Facebook.
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