Back in 2005, Bryce Thurston and his friend Tyrell Thibeault launched Showdown Merchandising in the basement of Bryce’s family home in Sylvan Lake. Inspired by an art class, fuelled by their love of music and a passion for creating merchandise for local bands, the duo built a thriving business centred around high-quality, original design screen printing.
Nearly 20 years later, Showdown is still going strong, still producing original designs — and still a family-run operation. When Bryce stepped away, his sister Kayla and her partner Mason, took the reins to keep the dream alive.
“We couldn’t let it go,” Mason says. “It’s always been about more than just printing T-shirts — it’s about creativity and community.”
Now serving artists, musicians, breweries and businesses from B.C. to Ontario and everywhere in between, Showdown is marking its milestone anniversary by giving back to a cause close to their hearts: the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Red Deer Regional Hospital.
When Kayla and Mason’s youngest son, Remi, was born underweight, he spent two weeks in the NICU. The care and compassion they experienced left a lasting impression.
“We were blown away by the compassion and dedication of the staff — not just for our son, but for every baby in their care,” Kayla says. “I had HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelet count) while pregnant with Remi. Along with him being born underweight, it was a very intense and scary experience. The care and support we received from our midwife and the NICU team made the experience as positive as it could be, all things considered. It quite literally saved both my life and Remi’s.”
To raise funds, Showdown has teamed up with another local favourite — Lodge 43 — to launch the Bang Bang Burger: crispy chicken tossed in house-made chili garlic sauce, topped with smoked Gouda from Sylvan Star Cheese and tangy pickled slaw. For every Bang Bang Burger sold in April, $2 will be donated to the NICU.
Showdown is also selling a limited-edition 20-year Showdown x Bang Bang Burger T-shirt, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to the same cause.
“Lodge 43 jumped on board without hesitation,” Mason says. “We’re so grateful to have such amazing people in our corner and to be partnering with another local business to help support a cause that’s so close to our hearts.”
Whether you’re a long-time customer or just love a great burger for a great cause, now is the perfect time to support a local success story — and help make a difference for some of the region’s smallest patients.
For more information or to place an order, visit showdownmerchandising.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
