Nova Scotia Stampede won’t return this year due to venue issues

A woman is seen taking part in the barrel racing competition at the 2024 Nova Scotia Stampede. (Source: novascotiastampede.com)

The Nova Scotia Stampede won’t be back in the saddle this fall due to infrastructure and operational issues at its venue.

In a written statement, the board of the Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC) in Truro said they’ve made the “difficult decision” to not go forward with the Stampede this year. The event started in September 2024.

“The RECC is currently facing a number of operational and infrastructure priorities that require focused attention,” said board chair Tim Johnson in the statement. “Senior RECC management has advised that resources must be directed toward addressing these needs in the months ahead.

“As a result, we do not feel we have the capacity at this time to deliver the world-class event that the public has come to expect and deserve.”

The Stampede, which is a rodeo that features barrel racing and bull riding, generated $2.2 million in net economic activity for its inaugural event in 2024, according to a report by Sport Tourism Canada.

The Nova Scotia government spent $150,000 on the event in 2025.

“Over the past two years, the Nova Scotia Stampede has grown into an incredibly popular and well-attended event, drawing strong support from our community and visitors alike,” Johnson said. “We are proud of the success it achieved in such a short time, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, attended, and helped make it such a memorable experience.

“This was not a decision made lightly. The Board and RECC senior management recognize how much this event means to the community and share in the disappointment that many will feel.”

Johnson said the board and management will find a plan to address the facility’s priorities in the coming month and then revisit the possibility of hosting the Stampede in 2027.

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