With summer well underway, cowpokes throughout the region are dusting off their cowboy boots and hats in preparation for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, known as the Calgary Stampede, which runs July 5 to 14. Lesser known, perhaps, are the many amateur and pro rodeos taking place throughout the region every weekend - including Innisfail, Sundre, Ponoka and Airdrie. Rodeo season will forge on until after Labour Day. If you've been bit by the Stampede bug and want to get out and see some local talent in action, check out some options below.
JULY
To kick off the Stampede season will be the Benalto Fair and Stampede on July 4 to 7. Benalto Fair and Stampede is a four-day action packed Pro rodeo event that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Come for the performance and stay for the weekend. There is camping available for all who would like to stay. This rodeo kicks off with bareback riding, steer wrestling, boys steer riding, tie-down roping, novice saddle bronc, novice bareback, team roping, saddle bronc, ladies barrel racing, bull riding as well as the entertaining wild pony races. Also taking place in early July is the 2019 Cowtown Rodeo on July 5 in celebration of the Calgary Stampede. This rodeo event is like no other. Get front row seats to all the action with world calibre bull riding, bull fighting, live auctions, live music and participation events with great prizes.
On July 13 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. will be the Cochrane Average Joe Rodeo. Watch as local businesses compete as teams in events made just for the average Joe. It's somewhat like an ordinary rodeo but much tamer and slower. Guaranteed to make the crowd go wild! There will be food, cold drinks and lots of laughs during this all-ages event. Tickets are $10 for adults while they're $5 for seniors and youth. Kids 12 and under get in for free.
To end off July will be the Rockyford Rodeo taking place July 26 to 28. This action packed weekend is full of lots of excitement. Rodeo events, chuck wagon & chariot races, a parade, free pancake breakfast, family dance, and cabaret. Fun for the whole family.
AUGUST
August will get kickstarted with the 53rd Strathmore Stampede on Aug. 2 through until the 5th. Strathmore is home to Running with the Bulls, CPRA Pro Rodeo, and World Professional Chuckwagon races held annually on August long weekend and new this year, the RCMP Musical Ride.
On Aug. 9 is the 21st annual Elnora Brahma Rama. The event hosts a PBR Bullriding and includes mutton busting, wild pony races, mini rank ponies, and wild cow milking, beer gardens, and family dance.
The following day will be the 37th annual Calgary Police Rodeo with doors opening at 10 a.m. and the action kicking off at 1 p.m. at the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Grounds. Rodeo events may include bareback riding, team roping, wild horse race, saddlebronc, break a way roping, wild cow milking, ladies barrel racing, steer wrestling, chute dogging, boys steer wrestling, bull riding, steer scramble and mutton bustin. There will also be a barn dance directly following the event at 8 p.m. with Drew Gregory and Renegade Station performing.
The Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo may take place in a small town but it is a big pro rodeo. You are close to the action and sitting with ranchers and cowboys who rodeo every day as part of their lifestyle. It is a summer adventure for the whole family that shouldn't be missed. The event will take place Aug. 15 to 18.
Just days after is the Lethbridge Whoop-Up Days on Aug. 20 to 24. Every August, Whoop-Up Days bring fun and merriment to Lethbridge with a festival, exhibition, and lots of rodeo action. Events kick start with a parade through downtown, and carry on with daily concerts, tradeshow, midway, farmers market and food fair.
The Cochrane Lions Labour Day Rodeo will round out August and head into September on Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. The 53rd annual rodeo is pleased to offer their fans over 16 exciting events to take in throughout the 3 day Rodeo. They include Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling,Calf Roping, Junior Steer Riding, Novice Horse Riding, Team Roping, Ladies Barrel Racing, Junior Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, Junior Bull Riding, Wild Pony Race, Mutton Busting, Pee Wee Barrel Racing, and Trick Riders. Crowning of the new Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen. Other events include food trucks, kids play area and live music. Tickets are online at www.eventbrite.ca or at the gate.
