Excitement is running high on the midway at the Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede as the weekend kicks off Friday.
Many activities and entertainment are scheduled over the weekend, and organizers are expecting the next few days to be as busy as it gets.
The president of the exhibition, Murray Pratt, said the number of visitors is on par with the previous year’s strong numbers so far.
Last year, around 15,000 people walked through the gates in the first 3 stampede days.
Pratt said they expect that number to rise significantly over the weekend with warm temperatures on the way.
Gates open at 7 am every day, with vendors starting early at 8 am on Saturday and 9 am on Sunday.
The midway opens at noon all weekend with 26 rides for kids of all ages. You can also check out this year’s new attraction, the Slingshot, which launches riders 200 feet in the air.
On Saturday, organizers said the Waterin’ Hole will be the top spot in the Peace Region, featuring live music all day starting at noon and Canadian country music singer Craig Moritz headlining at 8:30.
The Canadian Pro Rodeo starts at 12:30 both Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, local hero Jake Gardner returns home to compete. He said he’s excited to perform in front of his family and friends.
“It’s an all around good vibe to be in and I just have a lot of fun up there. I don’t really try to put to much pressure on myself, so I’m just excited,” Gardner said.
You’ll also get the chance to see rodeo royalty, as Miss Rodeo Canada 2025 and Miss Teepee Creek Stampede 2025 will be in attendance.
You can also catch the All Pro Canadian Chuckwagon races nightly at 5:30 pm.
Despite light showers later in the day on Friday, great weather conditions are expected over the weekend with temperatures in the mid-20s °C and plenty of sun.
You can check out the Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede website for the full event schedule.
Tickets are still available at the gate. To get access to the fair, rodeo, and chuckwagons, prices range from $24 to $50. Tickets for the fair only are $12 for adults and $5 for kids ages 7 to 12.
