Darlene Keeler is grateful for all her supporters including the many Stampede staff and volunteers she has worked with and her family. - NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Darlene Keeler has been voted the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede’s new president-elect.
Keeler, a lifelong resident of Medicine Hat, has been involved with the Stampede for nearly 20 years and has filled several roles including chair of the Methanex Kiddie’s Day, Olde Tyme Christmas, Canada Day, Promotion and Store Decorating committees and board of directors recording secretary.
“I was born and raised in Medicine Hat so I came to the Stampede as a little girl. Kiddie’s Day was my favourite part of it. Then I moved away (but) moved back in 1999. I got involved (in the Stampede) in either 2003 or 2004,” Keeler told the News. “I’ve learned a lot about different aspects of the Stampede and now I’ve got a bigger role where I have to get to know 33 committee chairs and… learn what they do in their capacity as a chair.”
While Keeler is a familiar face to many who work or volunteer at the Stampede, her new role as president elect will bring her closer to the public.
“I just love being involved,” said Keeler. “That’s what brings me to the Stampede; the involvement.”
An advocate for giving back, Keeler first started at the Stamped as a volunteer.
“My mother always said ‘When you live in a community, you volunteer in the community’ and that’s what I’ve done; in every place I’ve lived, I’ve volunteered,” she said. “As I move forward in this role, I would like to see more volunteers come to the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede. We have 33 committees and right now we’re looking for four or five committee chairs… The more people we can have, the more events we can put on for the citizens of Medicine Hat.”
Keeler is honoured to be the first female president-elect in Stampede history
“It’s an honour and a privilege,” she said. “I think it will make other women stop and think ‘Hey, she’s done it, why can’t I do it?’ then, hopefully we can get more volunteers coming out and participating.
“We have a great organization here. We’ve gone through a rough time with COVID and other situations, but we’re trying to get back on our feet and get everybody involved again. We’re going to go all-out for stampede this year, hopefully we won’t get any more COVID (restrictions) or anything like that. We’re getting into something new, something challenging and vibrant,” Keeler said with a smile.
