OKOTOKS - It’s time for bulls, broncs and barrels as the Okotoks Pro Rodeo bucks into Millarville.
Held at the Millarville Racetrack Aug. 25 to 27, the Okotoks Pro Rodeo is a full weekend of action featuring three rough stock and four timed rodeo staples, with the additions of ladies breakaway roping and novice events.
“We try to have a better and better rodeo every year,” said Okotoks Pro Rodeo marketing director Trevor Reidy.
With about four weeks remaining in the rodeo season, contestants will be vying for position in the Canadian Finals and National Finals rodeos held in the fall, and many locals are among those competing over the weekend.
“There's usually quite a few locals at our rodeo,” Reidy said.
Mutton bustin’, dummy roping and wild pony racing give youth the chance to compete, and spots fill up almost as soon as registration opens.
"They’re popular with the kids and they're popular with rodeo fans,” he said.
The show kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with slack on Saturday morning. The start time is 2 p.m. on Sunday.
A Western Artisan Market is a new addition to rodeo weekend, and it will be held on Friday, Saturday after the Millarville Farmers’ Market, and on Sunday.
“It’s western-flavoured,” Reidy said of the market. “I don’t think there’s any two things that are the same.”
Several non-profit groups have also been invited to set up at the market so people can learn more about what they offer.
Following the rodeo on Saturday night, attendees can get their boots dirty at the dance in the dirt with the Backroad Traveler Band.
“The dance is right there on the rodeo grounds,” Reidy said, “And the band will be set up in the dirt.”
A beer garden and food trucks round out the event.
Tickets are available online or at the gate.
For tickets or more information, visit okotoksprorodeo.com.
