Photo of Wagon Master Gordon Frentz (CC: EGP Staff)

By Tanner Smith

Grande Prairie Stompede

Grande Prairie hosts 48th annual Bust-Out-Barbecue

May 28, 2025 | 6:40 AM

The Grande Prairie Stompede’s bust out barbecue was held yesterday (Tuesday, May 27), and attended by many local dignitaries, including Mayor Jackie Clayton, Police Chief Dwayne Lakusta and Premier Danielle Smith.

(CC: EGP Staff)

During the celebration, the Stompede announced its Business of the Year award, Stomper of the Year Award, and the 48th annual Wagon Master, which was awarded to Gordon Frentz.

Saskatchewan-born cowboy Frentz was chosen as Wagon Master thanks to all his volunteer work and other duties with the Peace Draft Horse Club.

“So as I got involved with the Peace Draft Horse Club, we use horses to take people through our Northern Spirit Light Show, and so that was my involvement starting with teams up here, and then through our draft club, then we also do competition events.”

Frentz added that during last year’s rendition of the light show, he and his team of horses were making their rounds for 26 nights over the six-week period.

After spending 40 years at his family farm in Grande Cache, Frentz “moved up here in 2012,” and said to be now given such a prestigious community award, “it’s an honour.”

During the barbecue, two other awards were handed out, with Tara Dreger taking home the Stomper of the Year Award while Sundown Oilfield Services was chosen as Business of the Year.

Photo of Stomper of the Year Tara Dreger (CC: EGP Staff)

Photo of Business of the Year recipient Sundown Oilfield (CC: EGP Staff)

The Grande Prairie Stompede will now run every day until Sunday, June 1, at Evergreen Park.

(CC: EGP Staff)