Original Stampede kicks off Monday in Raymond

By Lethbridge Herald on June 26, 2025.

Lethbridge Herald

The Raymond Stampede is a Canada Day tradition in southern Alberta and the 123rd edition will kick off on Monday night for the first of two  days of professional rodeo action.

Monday’s action begins at 6 p.m. while the Canada Day rodeo starts at  2 p.m. The rodeo grounds are now located at 500 Street North and 400 Street East.

This will be the second year the rodeo is staged at their new home  after the original stampede grounds were vacated following the 2023 event for construction of a new high school. The 14 acres where the Stampede is now being staged was donated by Raymond resident Ron Heggie, whose father helped built the grandstand that stood from 1945 until it was demolished two years ago.

Stampede cowboys and cowgirls will be trying to qualify for the  showdowns at the Canadian Finals Rodeo running Oct.1-4 in Edmonton and  the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in Decembers.

Bucking horses and bulls are being provided by Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo stock.

In addition to the traditional rodeo events, there will also be rick riding, kids’ wild pony races and clown Dennis Halstead.

Food trucks and a kids’ playground will be on site. Raymond hosted the first rodeo in Canada in 1902 when rancher Ray Knight had the idea of  bringing together local ranch hands to test their skills to determine the best working cowboys.

The rodeo is part of Raymond’s Heritage Days which begin with a 7:30 a.m. Run named in honour of late local doctor Harlan Taylor followed  by a pancake breakfast. Also planned that day are a three-on-three  basketball tournament and a family softball tournament.

After Monday’s rodeo, the popular Smith Family fireworks will be staged and on Tuesday morning – Canada Day – the annual Rotary Club parade starts at 10 a.m.

A market at the Raymond arena, Canada Day fair at Victoria Sports Park, wrestling and fireworks are also planned for Tuesday.