Premier Danielle Smith speaks during a keynote address during the Medicine Hat Stampede President's luncheon held Thursday after attending the Stampede Parade as the official parade marshall Thursday morning. NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Premier Danielle Smith said this year’s Medicine Hat Stampede theme, “Spirit Untamed” represents the spirit of Albertans.
Smith spoke during a brief keynote address during the Medicine Hat Stampede President’s Luncheon that was held in Cypress Centre following Thursday morning’s parade.
“I truly appreciate that choice, because it captures something much deeper than just the essence of stampede itself,” said Smith. “It speaks to the very soul of our province. Albertans are well known for their wild spirit, a spirit that refuses to be tamed or confined.”
Smith, who was the Stampede’s official parade marshall, began her speech addressing her absence from the 2024 Medicine Hat Stampede due to wildfires that swept through the town of Jasper.
“I was on the road to come here last year when I found out that Jasper, the fire had reached there, and so I ended up diverting and going up there,” explained Smith who continued her keynote address by referencing the historic significance of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.
The Premier acknowledged local firefighters in attendance and other first responders for their service during the Jasper fire.
“I often say that there is no better way to celebrate our western culture and traditions than being right here at the Stampede in Medicine Hat. As you know, the Medicine Hat Stampede has roots going back over 130 years, starting the first agriculture exhibition in 1887.”
Smith highlighted the Stampede’s role in boosting the economy every summer and thanked board members for their dedication and commitment to the Stampede.
“The Stampede keeps this tradition alive for ourselves and for our children, while doing so much to support our community at large,” said Smith. “It boosts our local economy, welcoming visitors from across Canada and around the world, in supporting local jobs and businesses, hotels, restaurants and so much more.
“It’s a platform for culture and community, with the First Nations partnership and entertainment and events that speak to the many, many diverse people and communities who call this region home.”Ă‚
Stampede General Manager Ron Edwards took the opportunity to thank sponsors and community partners who attended Thursday’s luncheon.
“We could not do these events if it wasn’t for the sponsors, everybody comes to the table financially,” said Edwards. “They’ve been great and we couldn’t do it without. So I really need to thank the sponsors.”
Additionally stampede royalty was on hand to deliver a message, including 2025 Miss Rodeo Canada, Codi Wilson, who was raised on a farm just south of Sundre.
“Thank you for coming and joining this rodeo,” said Wilson. “I want to give a big thank you to all the sponsors who helped make these events possible and the tradition celebrating 138 years of rodeo with Medicine Hat, that is something to be proud of.”
This year Smith rode near the front of the parade with other dignitaries and local politicians and was met with cheers from some parade goers and with opposition from members of the Prairie Pride Guild of Medicine Hat & District, who pulled their float from the parade in protest of the Premier’s attendance.
