Yeehaw! Stampede 2018 starts today

By Gillian Slade on July 25, 2018.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

It is kickoff day — start celebrating the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.

The grounds open at noon and there is a new game you can play on the midway — the one-arm hang. You pay $10 to hang from one arm and if you can do that for two minutes or more, the prize is $100.

On the midway you’ll see refurbished rides boasting fresh paint and new LED lights.

For many visitors, food at Stampede tastes more special, and this year one of the new foods to try is funnel cakes.

Italian food is also making a debut with meatball sandwiches.

Delicious fudge is another staple at the event, and one of the fudge vendors is celebrating 50 years of providing this sweet delight at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.

The south free stage this year will feature an African flavour — Cirque Zuma Zuma — described as an African-style Cirque du Soleil.

Prairie Dogs has been a favourite for more than 25 years and will be back again. Very clever dogs will entertain people as they demonstrate tricks and find their way through an obstacle course. Prairie Dog events take place daily at 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

In the exhibit halls there are more than 100 vendors displaying merchandise.

Kiddies day is on Friday with free admission to the grounds between noon and 3 p.m. for those 12 years and younger.

The petting zoo, always a favourite with children, has come all the way from Ontario. There will be face painting and a bouncy castle. A watermellon contest takes place from 2:30-3 p.m.

Small birds and animals delight kids and adults alike. In the Country in the City pavillion you can see baby chicks and ducklings. Daily events include sheep shearing, a demonstration by a farrier, horse grooming and goat milking. This pavillion in Kinplex II is open each day from noon to 8 p.m.

Gate admission is $9 for adults and $4 for children 12 years and younger. You can buy half-price ride coupons on Wednesday and Friday from noon till 3 p.m.

Stampede officials say the parade of 12 restored heritage wagons is something you don’t want to miss at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day.

The finale each night at about 10:45 p.m. will be a fireworks display.

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