Stampede fireworks cancelled

By COLLIN GALLANT on July 27, 2021.

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant

Continued hot, dry weather and worsening fire risk has forced the cancellation of the planned fireworks near the Medicine Hat Stampede grandstand this weekend.

Stampede officials made the announcement on Monday morning in conjunction with local fire officials.

“Due to the extremely dry conditions, it’s just not possible to put on a show this week,” said Kara Brake, the Stampede’s general manager.

While other events are not affected in this year’s Stampede week program, the fireworks would have been only the second such show since the 2019 Stampede.

Earlier this month, the grounds hosted Canada Day fireworks exhibition, but conditions have worsened, according to emergency officials.

“The conditions during the Canada Day celebrations were somewhat precarious as far as fireworks are concerned,” said Medicine Hat fire chief Brian Stauth. “Since that time conditions have worsened.”

The potential to hold over the show for later this summer is being explored, according to a release.

The Saturday-night display was set to follow a concert by the Hunter Brothers, which is still slated to begin at 9 p.m. that night.

Larger events for this year’s Stampede, which features no midway, begin Wednesday with the “Summer Jam” concert, starting at 7 p.m. at the Grandstand.

A three-day rodeo begins Thursday (7 p.m.) and continues Friday (8 p.m.) and Saturday (1:30 p.m.).

The Visual Arts and Better Living Show will be open for display on Friday (11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.).

The Saturday morning Farmer’s Market will also be held at the grounds, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A three-day rodeo begins Thursday (7 p.m.) and continues Friday (8 p.m.) and Saturday (1:30 p.m.).

The Visual Arts and Better Living Show will be open for display on Friday (11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.).

The Saturday morning Farmer’s Market will also be held at the grounds, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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