The Manitoba Stampede Kicks Off with Roaring Energy and Community Spirit
Let me tell you—if you've never been to the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition in Morris, you’re missing one of the most electrifying weekends of the summer. The energy out there is unreal. As the morning sun rises and the first pancakes hit the griddle, it’s already buzzing with excitement. It’s the 60th edition of the Stampede, and even though organizers aren't making a huge fuss about the milestone, you can feel the pride in every corner of the grounds.
The Manitoba Stampede is the only professional rodeo event on the Canadian tour circuit in the province, so you're not just seeing some backyard bull riding—you’re witnessing the real deal. We're talking top-tier athletes: bronc busters, bull riders, steer wrestlers, and tie-down ropers, the same folks you’d see at Calgary Stampede. This isn’t just a rodeo—it’s an institution.
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Mike Bellisle, president of the Valley Agricultural Society, was on-site earlier this week, adding final touches and reflecting on the journey. It’s amazing to think how much the event has evolved, especially since the pandemic. What used to be a four-day festival is now a three-day jam-packed spectacle, and attendance has actually grown. Last year saw about 38,000 people walk through the gates. That’s nearly 7,000 cheering faces filling the grandstand every day.
The Stampede has become more than just a rodeo—it’s a celebration of community. There’s chuckwagon racing, chariots, gymkhana, team penning, mounted shooting—you name it. The Ag Fair is thriving, and family zones are bustling with laughter and excitement. There’s even a First Nations Pavilion and a bustling midway to round things out.
It’s not just about the rodeo either. The live music lineup is a draw all on its own. Nelson Little kicks things off on Friday and Saturday evenings, opening for Prairie Line and The Sean Taylor Band. It’s all happening under the open sky, and honestly, it’s pure summer magic.
Behind the scenes, it takes around 150 volunteers to make it all happen. What’s really encouraging is the number of younger folks stepping up. According to Bellisle, it’s proof that the Stampede is reconnecting with the community in a powerful way. After the pause during COVID, people realized just how much they missed festivals like this. It’s like rediscovering a hidden treasure in your own backyard.
So if you’re anywhere near Morris from July 18 to 20, grab a hat, bring the kids, and get ready for a weekend full of adrenaline, music, and that unbeatable sense of small-town pride. Tickets are available at the gate or online at manitobastampede.ca—don’t miss it.
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