Record number of visitors expected for MB Stampede – The Carillon

Organizers of this year’s Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition are no strangers to large crowds, having last year surpassed 35,000 people during the three-day event.

But as they prepare for the 59th anniversary event, which runs from Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21, they expect to surpass those numbers.

This is largely due to the organization of this year’s RCMP Musical Ride.

“We expect a huge turnout just for that reason,” said board member Tim Lewis.

Lewis, who has been involved with the rodeo for more than 30 years, has enjoyed entertaining crowds in the past.

“We were completely sold out last Saturday,” he said. “We had to close the box office and not let people in the stands.”

The event is always well attended and Lewis says that is probably due to the unique nature of the rodeo.

“There are a lot of other, smaller rodeos in Manitoba, but this is the only professional rodeo,” he said.

This means that many participants are people who have previously participated in events like the Calgary Stampede.

“It’s an opportunity to see a higher caliber of participants and shares,” he said.

While the professional rodeo remains the highlight of the event, there is much more to do.

Displays, entertainment and a funfair are all part of the excitement.

People can attend a powwow demonstration, see the Manitoba Mounted Shooting Association in action, attend the draft horse farm event, visit the petting zoo, enjoy entertainment or relax in the beer gardens.

Entrance fee is only due for persons wishing to enter the grandstand area.

While it may be a cliché to say that this event is for the whole family, Lewis says it’s true.

“That’s something we really strive for every year; to make sure there’s something for everyone,” he said. “We want them to participate in as many things as possible.

Every year a large group is needed to organize the event.

The Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition is run by a board of directors of 12 people and two permanent staff members. It requires more than 200 volunteers each year to keep it running.

For more information and a full schedule, visit manitobastampede.ca.