If you’ve been to Aggie Days anytime in the past 40 years, you’ve no doubt seen a cow milking demo. More likely than not, the lady milking was Debbie Lee.
For many volunteers, the Aggie Days, held in the Nutrien Western Event Centre and Agriculture Barn on Stampede Grounds, are not a weekend celebration, they are a temporary relocation of life.
April 12-13 marks the 40th anniversary of Aggie Days. Lee stands as one of the people who has seen the days since their inception.
Lee grew up on a farm. Her father was a member of the local dairy committee and always loved getting people and consumers educated and showing them what they did on the farm.
The Aggie Days began with teachers who wanted to teach students about agriculture, in partnership with the Dairy Committee. The days were first held in 1985.
“It was a no-brainer for me, because that’s that was our way of life. We talk to people all the time about what we get on the farm, and we shared our experiences,” Lee said.
“We love to share about our animals and how we produce food and that type of stuff. So honestly, for me, it was easy.”
Like Lee, many Aggie Days volunteers are farmers who’ve relocated downtown for a few days.
Throughout the 40-year history, the cast and crew of volunteers have remained largely the same. Lee described her fellow volunteers similarly to family.
“Our family gets involved. Our friends get involved. Our neighbors get involved. It’s kind of infectious being a volunteer for the Stampede,” she said.
John Bednarik, a long-time Aggie Days participant, continues to volunteer into his 90s.
The Bednariks are known for their llamas and alpacas, with three generations of Bednariks volunteering at the Aggie Days.
“We love seeing people connect with the animals,” said John’s daughter, Lisa.
“But we’re also here to teach. There’s a long history of llamas and alpacas being used for their wool and as working animals.”
Aggie Days then and now
Lee remembers the original years of Aggie Days fondly.
“The simpler days were good,” she said.
In the beginning, Aggie Days were a shorter, half-day event, attended by a few hundred kids each year, according to Lee. Festivities included barns with miniature horses, dairy shows and cows, and a milk truck from the now defunct Alpha Milk Co. for kids to tour.
“But now, it’s grown exponentially.”
Today, many industries are represented at the days, including dairy, grain and produce, among others.
“The message that we want to get to the public is Alberta has a very diversified agriculture industry,” Lee said.
Organizations like the Egg Farmers of Alberta continue to attend the event, giving visitors a glimpse into their industry through their egg-laying display featuring live hens.
Calgary-based Nuleaf Farms first joined the Aggie Days in 2024, showcasing the changes in sustainable, urban food production.
Lee highlighted how the province houses many great farms and processors who help feed Albertans. Aggie Days allow those farmers to meet consumers face to face, teach them and thank them for their support.
A main priority for Aggie Days has always been accessibility, according to Lee.
“We’ve worked really hard over the last 40 years to make sure that it’s accessible for everyone,” she said.
Lee said that in remaining free for everyone to attend, people can come learn, ask questions and see animals in a unique environment.
“There’s no other program like it that I know of in North America,” she said.
“It’s because of the volunteers and the producers who really believe in what we do.”
The 2025 Aggie Days begin on April 12 at 10 a.m., with the signature cow milking demo at 11 a.m. on the main barn stage.
