Calgary artist wins 2025 Stampede poster contest

The Calgary Stampede has unveiled the poster for next year's edition of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Grit to Greatness, designed by 22-year-old Calgary artist Elora Kiddle, depicts an action-packed moment from the 2021 Stampede Rodeo.

Kiddle's first-place finish comes after two years of unsuccessful entries in the poster competition. The win has the young artist "beyond excited."

"I still remember when they told me and I didn't expect it," she said. "I kinda got to my car and immediately I was like happy crying. I called my mom up and she was doing the same."

"This to me is like the start of my career. I've known for the longest time I've wanted to be an artist."

The winning design features competitor Kellie Jorgensen from Hereford, Texas, guiding her horse Salty through a barrel race. 

"The 2025 Stampede poster embodies the spirit and resilience that define the Calgary Stampede," said incoming Stampede president and board chair Stuart O'Connor in a news release. 

"Her vivid portrayal of barrel racing speaks to the heart of our events, making this poster a powerful emblem."

Kiddle drew inspiration from her first job at the Stampede, where she watched the rodeo every day. 

She's the seventh winner of the Youth Poster Competition, which promotes the work of young Alberta artists. 

With the first-place selection, Kiddle earned the $10,000 Dustin Peers Memorial Scholarship, which helps young Calgarians pursue visual arts and other arts-related careers. 

"I think I picked up my first paintbrush when I was like 13 and I never wanted to put it down," she said. 

Stampede is a big part of her family traditions, according to Kiddle. Her father and sister are musicians in the Stampede Showband. 

"This is my part to finally contribute and be part of it," she said.  

The Stampede is accepting applications for next year's Youth Poster Competition. 

Young Alberta artists between the ages of 15 and 24 can submit applications until Dec. 6, 2024.

Kiddle's design and the six winning posters from previous years are on display in a special exhibit at the Sam Centre until Nov. 10.

This year's Stampede had 1,477,953 visits to the grounds — an all-time attendance record.

The 2025 celebration runs from July 4 to 13.