Photo courtesy Everything GP Staff (L-R: Bernie Benson, Trevor Dennis)

By Tanner Smith

Grande Prairie Stompede

Grande Prairie Stompede names honorary Lifetime Achievement Award winner

May 25, 2022 | 10:15 AM

Bernie Benson was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award Tuesday at the 2022 Bust-Out Barbeque hosted by the Grande Prairie Stompede Association.

Benson is the Secretary of The Grande Prairie Stompede Association and has been for over 25 years. She discussed the sacrifices and commitments she made were all from “a labor of love” for the city and association.

“Nobody gets paid, in fact, it costs money because you have to drive out there, you have to buy food, nobody gives you free food, so it’s been a long 25 plus years,” said Benson.

Benson did inform the board of her decision to step down after this year, which was a decision made before she received this award.

“So, I think the rumor went around that I was leaving, and this happened (winning Lifetime Achievement Award) and now I feel obligated and I sure as hell don’t want to leave”

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Benson also added the event is super important to Grande Prairie, saying a report was done a couple of years ago revealing that the rodeo generates six million dollars over the five days.

Other awards presented at the Grande Prairie Stompede 2022 Bust Out BBQ on Tuesday included:

• RaeDawn Barker – Stomper of the Year
• Orval and Betty Sorken – Wagonmaster