Medicine Hat College student named 2026 Stampede Queen
Grace Sippola, who initially rejected the idea of competing, now represents Medicine Hat at events across Alberta while studying business.
Grace Sippola, a Medicine Hat College student, has been named the 2026 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Queen. Sippola, who was born in Williams Lake, B.C., and grew up moving between ranches as her family followed agricultural work, said she initially refused the idea of competing when it was first suggested four years ago, but encouragement from former Stampede Princess and college alumna Joleigh Wood changed her mind.
As Stampede Queen, Sippola represents the city and the agricultural industry at events throughout Alberta. She credits her ranching upbringing with instilling values around animal care, leadership and hard work that now shape her public role.
Sippola is pursuing a Business Administration diploma at Medicine Hat College after switching from a University Transfer: Science program she had chosen with an equine industry career in mind. A business course convinced her to change paths, and she now hopes to eventually run her own equine reproduction and dentistry business.
Her education is supported through a scholarship partnership between Medicine Hat College and the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede that dates back to 1991, helping Queen and Princess program participants pursue post-secondary studies. Lori Siedlecki, president and co-chair of the Queen Committee, said Sippola's genuine, down-to-earth character makes her a strong representative for the community.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.