When Buckerfield’s or Otter Co-op were out of stock or feed for our horses, pigs, chickens, or rabbits, or our family was travelling home from Surrey, we’d occasionally stop off at Stampede Feed & Tack in Cloverdale, and I have to tell you that was – and still is – a huge thrill for me. You have to see my western-themed home to know just how much I love this store.
Anyway, this familiar retail destination – which was opened by Jack and Valerie Graham – turns 50 this weekend.
Since 1966, Stampede was the go-to place for folks looking for everything equine and in particular western wear (I glance down at my Roper shoes, which I wear every day and absolutely love, and always purchased at Stampede).
Today, known as Stampede Tack & Western Wear, this business is owned by Ralph and Floss Winkler. They originally purchased Langley’s Cliff Saddlery in 1980, and became partners in Stampede in 1984 – at which time they merged the two stores under the one roof at Highway 10 and 180th Street.
Today, together with their daughters and son-in-law (all from Langley), the Winklers are hosting an anniversary blast Saturday, Oct. 8 to “say thanks for a great 50 years.”
Festivities will include a barbecue and giveaways. Info: www.stampede.ca.
Caption: Princess Auto in Langley is holding a grand re-opening on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Re-opening soon
Speaking of momentous occasions, here’s some news about a store in Langley, which hasn’t been around as long as Stampede but might be more popular to the masses.
Earlier this summer, work began to renovate and refresh the interior and exterior of Princess Auto.
Well, work is expected to be wrap up any day now on the 25,000-square-foot Langley Bypass store, as manager Ray Niro and his 50-member team prepare to hold a grand re-opening celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Doors open at 7 a.m. But there’s an official chain-cutting (yes, you read that correctly) ceremony at 6:45 a.m.
Specifically, Princess Auto gift cards (mystery amount revealed at checkout) will be given to the first 50 guests in line, and the first 500 guests in store receive free safety glasses.
Customers can also take advantage of specials all day, and have fun with their “Guess the Cart” and “Win your Wishlist” contests.
Those stopping in can also receive free coffee and doughnuts in the morning and a free barbecue lunch starting at 11 a.m.
Princess Auto features products in the workshop, trailer, driveline, surplus, and all-seasons departments, along with a skilled service team to help customers find exactly what they’re looking for.
For more information on grand opening events and contest visit princessauto.com/en/langley.
Overcoming adversity
Students are back in class, and settling in for the year, some Langley kids receiving a little more incentive.
A few Langley students, who – despite facing adversity – headed back to school this fall with some help from Coast Capital Savings and their Youth Get It education awards.
The awards are a bit different from those that recognize students who are top in their class or who boast the highest GPA, these awards recognize and reward young people who have overcome great challenges to find success at school and continue to strive for academic excellence.
Shakiba Fadaie and Rachel Rollke were recipients of Coast Capital’s Youth Get It Education Awards.
Shakiba, who immigrated to Canada at a young age, faced several challenges adapting to life in a new country. Shakiba received this award in recognition of her commitment to become an international human rights lawyer.
Rachel’s award is in recognition of her dedication to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher, despite a tragic death in the family and challenges with her own mental health.
