Viking’s 48th Annual Cloverlodge Stampede

Walking M Rodeo Pickup Men at the Cloverlodge Stampede. Photo submitted

The Town of Viking will be a busy place July 11 and 12 as residents and visitors gather for the 48th Annual Cloverlodge Stampede.

Located west of Wainwright, Viking has welcomed generations of rodeo fans to the popular summer tradition, which combines professional rodeo action with the community events that bring people back year after year.

For many, the stampede is more than a weekend at the rodeo grounds. It is a chance to reconnect with friends, welcome visitors and celebrate Viking’s western roots.

The weekend will get underway Saturday with the Main Street parade at 11 a.m., giving families a chance to line the streets and take in the floats, horses, community groups and familiar faces that help set the tone for the weekend.

Following the parade, attention will turn to the stampede grounds, with rodeo action beginning Saturday at 4 p.m. and continuing Sunday at 1 p.m. Professional rodeo stock will be supplied by Walking M Rodeo.

The Diamond Cowgirls Trick Riding Team will also take to the arena throughout the weekend. Their fast-paced performances, impressive horsemanship and daring tricks have made them a crowd favourite and a highlight for spectators of all ages.

Along with the action in the arena, visitors will find food available on-site, beer gardens and plenty of opportunities to sit, visit and enjoy the atmosphere around the grounds.

Taste of Viking will add a multicultural flavour to the weekend, bringing community members together to share traditional dishes and giving visitors the opportunity to sample food from a variety of cultures.

More than a chance to try something new, the food celebration allows participants to share part of their heritage and connect with others over dishes that hold meaning for their families and cultures.

Saturday evening will wrap up with fireworks at dusk, lighting up the sky over Viking and bringing a full day of activity to a colourful close.

The excitement will continue Sunday as spectators return for the second rodeo performance and another opportunity to enjoy the trick riders, food and atmosphere before the weekend comes to an end.

Now entering its 48th year, the Cloverlodge Stampede continues to be more than just a rodeo. Whether people came for the parade, rodeo action, trick riders, food or fireworks, Viking had plenty happening throughout the weekend.