Stampede officials Tim Weinberger and Mike Doll were on hand Tuesday to announce upcoming events for the 2023 spring and summer season.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede officials are preparing for another successful spring/summer season as they announce details of several upcoming events, including the summer Stampede.
Committee members and organization executives gathered Tuesday morning to share enthusiasm for the Stampede’s 2023 spring and summer events schedule, which kicks off April 14-16 with the Broncs and Honky Tonks Spring Rodeo.
Featuring Canadian and American contestants, the rodeo is one of the first of the season and a great family event, Stampede general manager Ron Edwards said.
Following the spring rodeo is the annual WPCA Chuckwagon Races, which run from June 22-25, and will feature 36 drivers competing in 12 heats, including the dash for cash finale.
“It’s going to be another great show,” said Ross Brigden, chuckwagon committee chair. “All the world champions, all the big boys, will be here … so we’re going to have lots of fun.”
Rounding out the season is the summer Stampede, which returns July 26-29.
MHE&S’s largest event of the year, the Stampede features an array of activities and entertainment for all ages, including rodeo, the midway and live night shows, the lineup for which was also announced Tuesday.
Canadian country musician Dean Brody and special guest Tyler Joe Miller will be the first to take the stage July 26 at 8 p.m.; country music legend Joe Nichols will follow July 27 at 9 p.m.; and 90s stars Vanilla Ice, Color Me Badd and C+C Music Factory will offer the final performances as they bring their I Love the 90s Tour to the stage July 29 at 9 p.m.
Night Show committee member Marni Fisher is looking forward to the performances, which she believes will appeal to a wide variety of age groups.
“We always try and bring different groups that people will like,” Fisher said. “I think we’re really excited with the 90s (music) because it’s something that we haven’t done yet and it’s exciting to go into that different genre that we haven’t been in before.”
While Fisher is excited to be welcoming a new genre of music, she is glad to continue the tradition of welcoming Canadian musicians in the lineup.
“We have some great artists in Canada and showcasing them is something that’s part of our heritage,” she said. “We definitely want to see these artists succeed and grow bigger and celebrate it when they do.”
Fisher and other organizers are confident the Stampede will be enjoyable for Hatters, and they hope to see a good turnout.
“We had a great year last year and we’re hoping for more of the same,” said Edwards, his excitement visible while speaking of the upcoming event. “This event, and all our events, bring a lot to Medicine Hat.”
