Hundreds of fans cheered loudly when the professional rodeo returned on the weekend ofRaymond StampedeCanada Day after 43 years of absence.
Stampede fan Marley Milner said it was great for professionals to return to town on Stampede's 120th birthday.
"I'm very excited," Milner said. "It's good to have all cowboys and cowgirls, and everyone comes here to show their support."
Kessler Championship Rodeo owner and Raymond resident Duankesler agreed that the return of Rodeo was welcome.
"I think the professional rodeos in southern Alberta are back bigger and stronger than ever," Kessler said.
His family has been involved in Raymond Stampede for decades. Following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather rodeostock contractors, he was pleased that the organizers asked him to provide horses and bulls for the event.
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"I know Raymond has a lot of stampede history," Kessler said. "The size of the crowd we saw here yesterday and the size of the crowd we saw today shows that people want to see a professional rodeo here in southern Alberta."
Read more:Summarize Raymond's 111-year tradition
Earlier this year, the state started construction of a new school in 2023. The plan is to build it on the site of an existing historic Stampede. The town of Raymond has not yet made a firm decision on the new location of the trade fair.
Raymond Stampede President Robert Heggy said funding would play a major role in hosting Stampede in the future.
"It looks very good now," Heggy said. "It was sold out yesterday ... I'm focused and I'm looking forward to next year.
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