Raymond Stampede

The Raymond Stampede is an annual rodeo that is held in the town of Raymond, Alberta, Canada every 1 July. It is notable for being Alberta's oldest and Canada's second oldest rodeo event, having been instituted a full decade before the world-famous Calgary Stampede.

The Stampede was first held in July 1902 at the instigation of Raymond Knight, the son of town founder Jesse Knight. Cowboys from the surrounding ranches agreed to participate in a rodeo when Ray Knight offered to provide the necessary animals. Several hundred spectators attended and witnessed Ed Corless win the bronc riding competition and Ray Knight win the steer roping competition.

The Stampede has been held every year since 1902. It is therefore Canada's second oldest rodeo (after the Wood Mountain Stampede).

Due to the traditional Sabbath observance of the Town of Raymond's predominant Latter-day Saint community, the Stampede is held on 30 June in years when 1 July lands on a Sunday.

See also

• Festivals in Alberta
• Canadian Finals Rodeo

References

• Turner, ed., Lawrence (1993). Raymond Remembered : Settlers, Sugars and Stampedes : A History of the Town and People of Raymond. Town of Raymond. pp. 12–154 to 12–157. ISBN 0-9697655-0-9.