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Strathmore Stampede

Meet Miss Strathmore Stampede 2023 | Ellen Van Noordenburg

Over the weekend, three contestants competed for a chance to win the title of Miss Strathmore Stampede 2023! All three girls, Breanne, Kailyn and Ellen were fantastic, but only one could win - Miss Ellen Van Noordenburg.

Ellen is a 20-year-old cowgirl who grew up on a family farm east of Didsbury, Alberta. Like other farm kids, she grew up immersed in the western lifestyle. She is a dedicated advocate for all things agriculture related, with over ten years of active involvement in various agricultural operations. Naturally she knew that this was what she wanted to follow moving forward with her post secondary education. After high school, Ellen attended Olds College of Agriculture and Technology to pursue a diploma in Agriculture Management with a major in Agricommerce. In April of 2022 she completed her diploma and is now working towards obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Business.

Growing up Ellen was extensively involved in the 4-H program. She was a member of the Ropes and Reins 4-H club for nine years. Although she is no longer a member she continues to mentor youth in the 4-H program. Ellen enjoys showing horses competitively in both western and english disciplines, but also has an interest in breakaway roping and working cow horse. Aside from spending time with her horses she also enjoys curling. She curled competitively all throughout middle school and into highschool, playing in both the youth curling league and then advancing to the ladies league. These activities taught her many life skills including; public speaking, leadership, and teamwork. She believes each of these skills have translated into all aspects of her life and have built the foundation for the person she is today.

Ellen has a passion for teaching and inspiring those around her. She is excited to get the opportunity to be an ambassador for the western way of life, the sport of rodeo, the Town of Strathmore, Wheatland County, and the Strathmore Stampede as their Miss Strathmore Stampede 2023!

We’d like to thank everyone who came out to support all three ladies throughout the weekend and leading up to the competition! To Kailyn & Breanne - thank you for all of your hard work! We wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors!

Ellen will be officially crowned on Saturday, August 5th during the Strathmore Stampede rodeo perf!

Ellen Van Noordenburg, Miss Strathmore Stampede 2023 & Martina Holtkamp, Miss Strathmore Stampede 2022

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National Volunteer Week | April 19 - Meet Troylene Hofer

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National Volunteer Week is upon us! The Strathmore & District Agricultural Society would like to take this time to highlight some of our outstanding volunteer that help us out!

Today we would like to introduce you to Troylene Hofer! Troy has been a long time volunteer with the Strathmore Stampede, practically volunteering in every area there is over the last 20+ years. She has worked in all of our beer gardens, parking and is now helping in our Private Suites! We asked Troy a few questions about her experience volunteering & why she thinks it’s important.

1. When did you get involved in this organization?

“20+ years ago I was buying tickets for the fill rodeo so I decided that I would volunteer! I started out working in the main beer gardens. The year after that they had me in Main, North & South [beer gardens]. On the third year, the girls I volunteered for asked if I would like to take over for them as Committee Head. Yes. ALL the Beer Gardens. I was very happy and had very many friends & family who got recruited and as I put it ‘voluntold’. We had a blast! On Saturday nights I would spend an extremely long one also working the cabaret. I took two years off and when I cam back I volunteered in parking and people movers. The next year I once again became the Committee Head for Handicap & Seniors parking, General Parking, People Movers and Free Camping. Let me tell you - busy was an understatement! I loved every second of it. I ran that part for 10-12 years. I left for another year & then came back to volunteer in just general parking. As lucky as usual, I was again in my comfort zone with my rodeo family & was asked again to be a Committee Head for Private Suites. I absolutely love it! For the very first time, I get to see a large portion of the ever loved Rodeo!”

2. What do you hope the organization will achieve in the near future and/or long term?

“I hope the organization in the future & long term can have a little Midway back, although they did a great job filling the gap of that being gone. Also, we are getting there, but I would like every performance to be sold out!”

3. Does anyone in your life play a role in supporting your involvement?

“My wonderful volunteers & my man keep me well inspired to carry on. I also love the prestige that the Ag Society give us for all our help!”

4. What attracted you to volunteering for the Strathmore Stampede?

“I was attracted to this rodeo as I sponsored Chuckwagons & the Wild Pony Racing. Strathmore was just the best! Well organized, free parking, free camping & amazing entertainment!”

5. Why do you volunteer?

“I volunteer because I love the feeling of helping & giving of myself! I also love my rodeo family!”

6. What contribution or achievement are you most proud of?

“I think my biggest achievement of all was mentoring my younger volunteers. I got a call one year from management that one of my volunteers mother’s had asking for my phone number. Her son has volunteered for me and was an absolute blessing, smart & worked very long hours when someone wouldn’t show up. He was graduating & his mom invited me to his high school graduation party! Talk about thrilled beyond! I went and enjoyed meeting his whole family and friends!”

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National Volunteer Week | April 18 - Meet Karri Geiger

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National Volunteer Week is upon us! The Strathmore & District Agricultural Society would like to take this time to highlight some of our outstanding volunteers that help us out!

Today, we would like to introduce you to Karri Geiger! Karri has been volunteering with us since 2003 when her and her family moved here from Medicine Hat. She is very heavily involved with the Strathmore Ag Society, attending multiple of our events as a volunteer to help out in any way she can! Those events include the Cowboy Town Concert, Strathmore Stampede, Celebration of Lights & the Rodeo School. We asked Karri a few questions about her experience volunteering & why she thinks it’s important.

1. What attracted you to volunteering?

“Being a new family to the community, with interested in all the awesome events that were hosted at the grounds which offered a great variety & being an animal lover with the amazing rodeo events”

2. What are your activities and what do they involve?

“I am the Volunteer Coordinator for the Celebration of Lights & Strathmore Stampede Volunteer Corral lead. My activities included organization, contacting & scheduling volunteers for events, [as well as] setting up for events and working with all volunteers throughout the event”

3. What motivates you to stay involved?

“The joy it gives me to help and provide amazing events & entertainment for visitors from all over the country that enjoy your dedication & commitment to our community. It is a great feeling of responsibility and trust for team building”

4. What contributions or achievements are you most proud of?

“I am very proud of the dedication I have been able to give over the years & look forward to many more. Another great accomplishment is having the complete honor to take of Santa’s Cottage & Celebration of Lights Volunteer with 2022 being my first season with an amazing team of volunteers, directors and staff.”

5. What do you hope the organization will achieve in the near future and/or long term?

“I have hope a midway for our Strathmore Stampede could be secured, or some kid of area that would satisfy visitors that really crave that entertainment”

6. Does anyone in your lift play a role in supporting your involvement?

“My husband that is semi-retired has been very understanding and like that I enjoy helping. He is considering trying some volunteering, which I think is an awesome way to meeting new people, help our community & always have some fun!”

7. Why do you volunteer?

“I love helping people, and enjoy every minute watching kids, seniors and adults with the biggest smiles”

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National Volunteer Week | April 17 - Meet Lori Roes

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National Volunteer week is upon us! The Strathmore & District Agricultural Society would like to take this time to highlight some of our outstanding volunteers that help us out!

Today we would like to introduce you to Lori Roes! Lori has been a long time volunteer with the Strathmore Stampede. Her volunteer experience first started in Admissions where she assisted in wristbanding the guests as they came through the grounds. From there Lori transitioned to selling 50/50 throughout the weekend. We asked Lori a few questions about her experience volunteering & why she thinks it’s important.

1. What attracted you to volunteering at the Strathmore Stampede?

“I have loved and attended the Heritage Days Stamped in Strathmore for nearly 40 year. The atmosphere and small town feel is so much fun, and being inches away from the action is second to none.”

2. What motivates you to stay involved?

“Seeing the rodeo and chuckwagons yearly is a huge bonus [to volunteering]. Getting to see friends and acquaintances throughout the weekend is probably my biggest motivation. Heritage Days brings in thousands of people from near and far that I look forward to seeing every year”

3. Why do you volunteer?

“I volunteer as a way to give back to my town. I love being a part of such a great weekend”

4. What other organizations or causes do you support?

“I have volunteered for the Senior Games that were held in Strathmore, the Christmas Hamper Society and volunteer weekly at the Wheatland County Foodbank”