Tuesday’s Bust Out BBQ is the official kick-off to the Grande Prairie Stompede, including a proclamation from City of Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton and County of Grande Prairie Reeve Bob Marshall making a shared declaration.
Representatives from the Grande Prairie Stompede Board of Directors, the All-Pro Chuckwagons and World Professional Chuckwagon Association addressed the unofficial kick-off to the rodeo season. However, the highlight being the naming of the Grande Prairie Stompede Stomper of the Year. This year Right of Entry Director Ainsley Miller received the recognition, one she says she never expected.
“I am absolutely humbled, all of the board works so hard and they do so much, and for them to think that I deserve Stomper of the Year, to be elected by them is absolutely really touching,” Miller says.
Stompede Secretary Bernie Benson is the one who got Miller involves with the Stompede board, as Miller says it was a way she could spend more time with her friend. However, the 2023 Stomper of the Year had volunteered with the organization before joining in an official role, having volunteered to work random jobs including in the office and gate control.
Heading into the five-day event Miller says she is looking forward to watching the chuckwagon races, along with the Mounted Shooters competition, and her daughter having fun going on the rides on the midway.
“There is nothing I don’t look forward to at the Stompede it is an absolutely awesome week.”
As well Tuesday R/T Rentals received the Grande Prairie Stompede Business Appreciation Award and Garth Koll was named the 2023 Stompede Wagon Master.
The Grande Prairie Stompede runs from May 31st to June 4th at Evergreen Park.
