Nova Scotia Stampede will not return this year

The Nova Scotia Stampede will not be back for a third year.

The stampede started in 2024 and included things like a rodeo, bull riding and local vendors selling their products.

Christiane Teerling from Lindsay Lake Farms, a bison farm in Middle Musquodoboit, N.S., was one of the vendors at last year's stampede and hoped to do it again this year.

"It was a great event, I think, for the region. I was very disappointed to hear that they let go of the opportunity," said Teerling, who learned about the cancellation Saturday morning.

This year's stampede was to be held Sept. 24 in Bible Hill, N.S.

In a statement posted online, the board of the Rath Eastlink Community Centre said it doesn't believe it has the capacity to put on the event.

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

According to a 2025 news release from the province, the 2024 stampede generated $2.2 million in economic activity and supported more than $1.1 million in local wages and salaries.

Terrling said events like the stampede help support rural communities and local businesses.

"We have to find ways to bring people to the rural communities and shine with what we have to offer … we have hidden gems that can attract a lot of people," said Teerling.

Teerling doubts the event will come back in the future. 

"When you drop the ball once, it's hard to bring it back on track," she said.

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