The 53rd annual Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition is underway in Morris.

Valley Ag Society and Stampede President, Pat Schmitkie explained they made some equipment upgrades for this year.

"We are always upgrading what we've got when we can.  We operate as non-profit, so money is always tight.  We put in new sheets this year which was great.  We got some excellent sponsorship from some local businesses which was awesome.  We've done lots of painting and clean up.  We've done some electrical upgrades in the last year and we got more to do next year as well.  We just keep working on the infrastructure so we'll be here for another 53 years."

Schmitke noted the electrical infrastructure and the new bucking chutes will be very beneficial for the event.

"The old bucking chutes that we took out were from the '70's.  The new ones are going to be spectacular.  I think if you want to get a good opinion on that some back and talk to the cowboys when the show up on Thursday because they are going to ecstatic when they see them."

Meanwhile, He stated although the rodeo hasn't changed that much, people keep coming back.

"There is people coming back that have been here for 53 years.  There is some people from the community and the rodeo that come year after year after year.  The rodeo itself hasn't changed a lot in 53 years.  The events are the same and equipment has changed and I guess cowboys are more like athletes than they used to be.  It's a great event."

The Stampede also offers a variety of shows, rides and attractions for the entire family.