Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition ready to showcase international rodeo circuit

Valley Agricultural Society president Matt Hoffman has already put in many long and hot hours with his small army of volunteers to be ready for this weekend’s 61st Manitoba Stampede, set to take place at the VAS fairgrounds in Morris.

“Saturday we were at the fairgrounds all day from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. working and getting stuff ready,” says Hoffman. “We’re all volunteers. An event like this takes the whole community to put together.”

The Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition has become so well-known in the rodeo community that Hoffman, who serves as a full-time CBSA officer and sees the attendees coming over the border for the event firsthand, now gets offers to help-out at the event from across Manitoba.

“It’s not only local volunteers now. We have people coming out from Winnipeg who’ve gotten in touch and they want to help and just be part of the event. Once they start, they keep coming back each year because it’s such an enjoyable experience,” said Hoffman.

That’s a sentiment shared by an increasing number of fans as shown by last year’s attendance numbers of more than 40,000 people coming out to the three days of events, from as far as the U.S., Alberta, Saskatchewan and beyond.

“We’ve sold out on our Saturday rodeo for the past few years now and we are well along that way again this year with our online ticket sales happening right now,” said Hoffman.

“I would highly encourage folks to purchase your tickets online right away to avoid disappointment. We don’t want people to come all the way out here and then not be able to get into the rodeo. Buy your tickets online before you get here is the best bet.”

As in past years, there will be no shortage of events and attractions to see during the Stampede, from rodeo staples like bull riding and chuckwagon racing to team penning and mounted shooting along with gymkhana. As professionals must perform in a set number of rodeos to maintain their status, the Manitoba Stampede becomes an essential event for the Maple Leaf circuit.

Variety and new thrills, however, are still an important component of the annual show. “We are particularly happy to have the Trucko Trick Riders from Saskatchewan coming back this year,” said Hoffman. “They are an award-winning all-lady riding team that do some real Hollywood stuff. They’re daredevil acrobats and they perform at high speed.”

There are also many events and attractions outside the professional rodeo show for those looking for something a little less competitive, starting Friday morning with the traditional pancake breakfast, along with the petting zoo and midway rides. A First Nations pavilion, heavy horses and stock dogs will also be on hand.

“We try and keep it affordable. We offer free grounds admission so you can get in and then decide what you’re up for,” said Hoffman. “We’re able to offer a lot for free and at no cost for folks, which draws in a lot of people just looking to enjoy (the atmosphere). And then for the people who want to partake in the world-class rodeo, that’s an option as well.”

The Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition is still the only official professional rodeo in Manitoba, with professional riders coming from as far away as Brazil and Australia to participate in the event, which is under the auspices of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.

“This year Regina started up a pro-rodeo as well and on the same weekend, which you would think would be competition, but it actually draws more cowboys from (the big shows) out west to come out here to us. Between Regina and Kennedy and Morris, they’re trying to hit all three rodeos … so we have lots of real cowboys and cowgirls coming our way,” said Hoffman.

With other rodeo and social events taking place across southeast Manitoba, including the Twist Off in Grunthal in June, and the upcoming Hanover Ag Fair this August, the fanbase for rodeo remains strong.

“One of the biggest benefits for us is that we are the only (professional) rodeo in Manitoba. When people want to see high caliber talents, this is the only place in Manitoba where you can see them. We get along great with Hanover and appreciate all the events they do. We even do some training with them and partner up from time to time,” says Hoffman. “But last I heard, we are having more contestants than ever before right here.”

Manitoba Country Music Award winner Nelson Little will also be at the Exhibition doing several shows to keep toes tapping and the “rural life vibe” happening for everyone to enjoy.

The Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition takes place this weekend, July 17 to 19, at the Morris Stampede Grounds. Tickets are available at the gate but are selling out quickly. Organizers recommend buying your tickets in advance online at manitobastampede.ca