Maritimers have gathered in Truro for the inaugural Nova Scotia Stampede, an event that promises a weekend filled with international rodeo action and community activities.
Running through Sunday, the stampede marks the first sanctioned rodeo in the region, featuring classic rodeo events such as bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc, bareback riding, and gymkhana.
While rodeo tickets have sold out, tickets for concerts are still available, giving attendees a chance to enjoy live music throughout the weekend.
In addition to the rodeo, the Stampede has a range of community events designed to engage people of all ages. Highlights include a provincial 4-H show, a pickleball tournament, free pancake breakfasts, and cooking demonstrations from The Kilted Chef. There’s also a Stampede Cup hockey game, featuring former NHL players.
To accommodate the influx of visitors, a traffic advisory has been issued, warning of potential delays on major routes near Truro. Highway 102, Highway 104, and Trunk 4 are expected to experience heavy traffic, with significant slowdowns anticipated on the Salmon River Bridge due to lane closures.
For those attending, a shuttle service is operating between the stampede grounds and local points of interest, such as The Hub Shopping Centre and Marigold Cultural Centre, to help ease congestion.
The Nova Scotia Stampede isn’t just about entertainment; it’s expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region, with estimates suggesting an impact of $6 to $8 million.
