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(Image Credit: Erika Rolling)
By Erika Rolling
Stompede

Wagonmaster, Stomper, & Business of the Year named at Bust Out BBQ

May 26, 2026 | 2:49 PM

The Grande Prairie Stompede is officially underway with the Bust Out BBQ having come and gone.

The free community lunch, thanks to Wapiti Gravel Sales, at Bonnetts Energy Centre kicked off the week of celebrations in the City and County of Grande Prairie on Tuesday (May 26) afternoon, and the grills were on until the hamburgers and hot dogs ran out.

Mayor Jackie Clayton proclaimed May 27-31 as Stompede Week at the event alongside County of Grande Prairie Reeve Amanda McDonald.

County Reeve Amanda McDonald and City Mayor Jackie Clayton at 2026 Bust Out BBQ at Bonnetts Energy Centre.
County Reeve Amanda McDonald and City Mayor Jackie Clayton at 2026 Bust Out BBQ at Bonnetts Energy Centre. (Image Credit: Erika Rolling)

Clayton says she loves the event as it’s a way to start the busy summer season and get the community out and about.

“Getting into that western heritage, culture, and adding the volunteerism and community support is what makes this event special.”

“We know that thousands and thousands of people come to this event every year. It’s something we look forward to and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

She notes that during Stompede, everyone comes together.

“Supporting the riders, cultural components, the sponsors, and thanking the volunteers, because this region and community is built on that; volunteerism.”

At the BBQ, three annual awards were handed out by the Stompede Association:

The Stomper of the Year award is presented annually to a member of the Stompede Committee for exceptional volunteer service. It is a prestigious honour of peer acknowledgment and appreciation.

Stomper of the Year – Amanda Erechook

2026 Stomper of the Year award recipient Amanda Eerchook (middle)
2026 Stomper of the Year award recipient Amanda Eerchook (middle) (Image Credit: Erika Rolling)

The Grande Prairie Stompede Association’s Business of the Year Award recognizes a business for its exceptional support of the Grande Prairie Stompede, providing equipment, manpower, and other crucial resources to ensure the success of the event.

Business of the Year – Bluewave Energy

Each year, a member of the rodeo community who displays exemplary talent is selected as the Grande Prairie Stompede Wagonmaster. 

Wagonmaster – Jack Bolin

2026 Grande Prairie Stompede Wagonmaster Jack Bolin
2026 Grande Prairie Stompede Wagonmaster Jack Bolin (Image Credit: Erika Rolling)

The rodeo and chuckwagons will start on Wednesday, May 27, at Evergreen Park.

by Erika Rolling