Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede general manager Ron Edwards unveils the 2022 lineup on Tuesday.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Excitement filled the air at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede on Tuesday, as general manager Ron Edwards and other organization executives announced the 2022 line-up, which includes the return of a full, open Stampede, during which country-star Trace Adkins, classic rock band the Beach Boys and Medicine Hat’s own MacKenzie Porter will be performing.
“It’s a full-blown open summer fair, with a rodeo, a night show, a midway, all the free entertainment you can ask for on the grounds (and) commercial exhibits,” Edwards said. “It will be just like you saw in 2019.”
The Stampede will take place from July 27-30. Trace Adkins and Nate Haller will kick things off Wednesday, July 27 at 8:30 p.m., MacKenzie Porter will take the stage Thursday, July 28 at 9 p.m., and the Beach Boys will round out the night shows on Saturday, July 30 at 9 p.m. Ticket packages will available to purchase online beginning Thursday at 10 a.m.
Along with the Stampede, Edwards also announced a return of the Broncs and Honky Tonks Indoor Spring Rodeo, taking place April 22-24; the Southeast Alberta Home and Leisure Trades Show, also scheduled for April 22-24; the WPCA Chuckwagons scheduled for June 16-19; and the Freestyle Motorcross and Snowmobile show taking place August 17 and 18.
Beyond those announced Tuesday, staff at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede are pleased to continue offering annual events like the spring and summer farmer’s market, regular sporting events, the Olde Tyme Christmas Market, the Beef and Pen Show and more.
“(We) try and bring entertainment to everyone of all ages,” Edwards told the News.
Edwards – along with his fellow Stampede colleagues – expressed excitement for the upcoming events, however he admitted to being a little nervous following a nearly two-year alternation in regular Stampede programming.
“(We’re) growing back into it, but our staff (and) volunteers are pretty excited,” said Edwards. “The committees are really excited to get going.”
Edwards is particularly looking forward to community reaction and participation. So far he has received positive feedback from those involved with the organization.
“I always think the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede is a pillar of this community because of the economic impact we bring (and) the social aspect we bring to families and kids. I think it’s a huge part of this city,” he said. “Our customers, the patrons, they’ve always been really fair to us and supportive of us, and I think they will be again.”
