“I don’t think I’ve missed a stampede since I was five or six years old,” said Raymond Stampede President Alan Heggie. “When I was a kid I used to ride down here with my Dad in the chariot.”
It’s family traditions like this that has young and old heading to the Raymond Stampede all looking to round up a little bit of history.
For the Heggie’s rodeo is a family affair, particularily during July long weekend.
The family’s been involved with the stampede for over 50 years. Alan, serving on the committee, and his son Robert, both competing and running the arena.
“Well as far as I know my great-Grandpa was involved.. and my Grandpa and my Dad and myself,” said Arena Director Robert Heggie. “I’m sure my boys are going to get involved. It’s just something we do. I don’t know how to explain it, we just love doing it.”
The stampede is celebrating its 111th anniversary this year, with over 250 participants competing in a dozens of events.
Families travel from across the prairie provinces to try their hand at steer wrestling, calf roping and bull riding.
But there’s yet another tradition that this rodeo honours, one that began in 1981.
Every year an honourary cowboy is selected to represent the stampede. This year Hughie Court and Wes Bascom have both been chosen and will be presented a belt buckle during a ceremony on Monday.
Upholding the stampede’s legacy isn’t without hard work, dozens of volunteers work the two day event.
While the rodeo had seen a drop in attendance, it appears the community’s strong support has brought the stampede back to life.
And as long as the Heggie family is around, the tradition will be too.
“I enjoy it. and I hope I can keep doing it for a while. The younger generation’s coming along, and they don’t know it but they have to take over prety quick,” said Alan.
When asked if he was ready to hand over the reins he was quick to jump in.
“Not yet, soon but not yet.”
The rodeo will continue on Canada Day for the finals.
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