There’s not going to be a safer place in Cochrane on Aug. 10, with the return of the annual Calgary Police Rodeo set for Aug. 10 at the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Grounds.
Gates open at 11:00 a.m., with tickets available for purchase on site. Prices range from $20 for adults, $10 for students, and free entry for kids under 14 and seniors ages 55 plus. It will also feature a barn dance starting at 7:30 p.m. for $20. A special all-day pass for both the barn dance and rodeo is available for $25.
Sgt. Jim Dalidowicz, part of the organized crime section for the Calgary Police Service and organizer for the event, added that this year’s barn dance will host two bands.
“First is Frontline, which is our own CPS-born band, a bunch of CPS members are in that band,” Dalidowicz said. “And then the headliner will be Alberta country music artist, FOXX Worthee, who will grace us with their presence, and they’ll be doing the national anthem during opening ceremonies.”
Compared to traditional rodeos, Dalidowicz explained that the event serves as a fun and safe space for members for first responders and emergency workers to participate in their own unique rodeo.
“This is completely amateur, so we have members from police services in surrounding areas, and we also have some coming from B.C., Winnipeg, and Ontario,” he said. “We also have EMS, paramedics, and medical first responders, firefighters from all over the province, including wildfire firefighters, and we also have a number of corrections officers, peace offices, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
The event also serves as a way to help raise money for The Missing Children Society of Canada and the Children’s Cottage Society.
“We do a good job, and we raise a lot of good money for them and help their cause as well.” Dalidowicz said.
This year’s bull riding event will see 16 amateur riders brave eight seconds between two heats. Alongside traditional roping, riding, and mutton busting events, Dalidowicz said their staple bull poker finale is a must watch for all attendees.
“We basically put four cowboys in the middle of the ring at a poker table and we set the bulls loose,” he explained. “So, the last cowboy with their butt in the seat wins the coveted buckle and bragging rights for the dance after.”
With fun for the whole family including food trucks, face painting, bouncy castles, and even a petting zoo, Dalidowicz said the event is guaranteed to be a good time and serves as a way to meet first responders outside of their uniforms.
“I would love to have everyone come down and join us in this fun family event that helps raise money, but to also show that we’re humanizing the badge, the frontline, and show that we’re there to serve but we’re also just normal guys and gals who are looking to have a good time,” he said.
In closing, Dalidowicz said he would like to give a special thanks to the Cochrane Lions for their continued support.
“I really want to tip my hat to the Cochrane Lions,” Dalidowicz said. “They take good care of us, provide so much support, and we pay in kind when they have their event, but shout out to the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Crew. They’re amazing people.”
