Since 1966, Strathmore has conducted an annual fair and “Heritage Days” Rodeo on the long weekend in August. 1985 saw the Heritage Days Rodeo turn professional and become sanctioned by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. In conjunction to hosting Pro Rodeo that weekend, 1988 saw the addition of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association Finals come to our grounds.
The 1990’s focused on a change of image to provide a family weekend by incorporating children’s entertainment, local entertainment stage, craft/bench show, livestock show, outdoor family entertainment show ring, machinery show, trade show, parade, midway and fireworks. The hosting of these events annually each August long weekend created a major tourist attraction to the Town of Strathmore and surrounding areas as indicated by its growing attendance.
Attendance for “Heritage Days” Weekend
1990 11,041
1991 11,573
1992 12,129
1993 16,132
1994 18,021
1995 23,126
1996 27,579
1997 31,061
1998 32,047
1999 33,055
2000 26,286
2001 40,928
Strathmore Heritage Days has become the largest community project hosted by the Agricultural Society and promoted by the 8000 residents of Strathmore. This event encompasses a major part of the Society’s planning time and has community support over thirty (30) volunteer committee chairpersons and six hundred (600) volunteers.
