Rodeo fans will once again have an opportunity to see some adrenalin-pumping bull riding action as well as some heart-racing chariot and chuckwagon heats for the 14th annual Sundre Bulls and Wagons.
Jack Nichol, chair of the Bulls and Wagons organizing committee, which is a subcommittee of the Sundre Rodeo and Race Association, said during a recent interview that plans are coming together well for the upcoming event, which takes place Aug. 10-12.
“We have most of our contractors all in line,” said Nichol, adding efforts to secure sponsorships as well as support for the calcutta fundraiser were underway.
“Everything’s looking good.”
Spectators can expect at least 10 heats of both chariots and chucks during each of the Saturday and Sunday performances, plus a lineup of approximately 30 bull riders that will get narrowed down to six finalists for the championship round, he said.
Additionally, returning for the third year in a row are about half a dozen Model T racers. However, whereas the vintage rally race cars have hit the track on Sunday for the past two years, they will instead be performing starting at about 1 p.m. on Saturday this year, he said.
That change in scheduling was decided upon in an attempt to accommodate more spectators, as following Sunday’s final bull riding performances over the last two years, many fans were tired and already heading home before the Model T speedsters even hit the track, he said.
“We thought it’d be better if we brought them in earlier on Saturday rather than later on Sunday.”
Nichol said the Model T speedsters provide an additional element that has fostered further interest in the annual event from spectators as well as participants, such as Sundre’s Bruce Brander and Paddy Munro.
Holding the races on Saturday before the main rodeo performances will hopefully ensure smoother track conditions and make racing “a little easier on our machines and a little easier on us as well,” said Brander.
Saturday morning will kick off with the pancake breakfast at the rodeo grounds starting at 8 a.m., and the day will wind up with a dance and beer gardens — also at the grounds — following the evening performance, Nichol said, adding there will be some live music as well.
The annual event will throughout the weekend also feature other traditional staples such as the kids' pony races, youth steer riding, wild cow milking, wild horse racing, as well as mini chucks and chariots, he said.
With the 15th anniversary milestone lined up for next year, Nichol said he hopes to come up with “something extra special.”
The former bull rider said he led the effort to launch the event 14 years ago.
“It’s been my baby ever since.”
However, while he wants to remain involved, Nichol plans to eventually step down as the main organizer and would welcome anyone who might be interested in taking the reins.
Meanwhile, the organizing committee always keeps the doors open for volunteers interested in lending a hand, and Nichol said anyone who might be inclined to pitch in is welcome to call him at 403-638-8255.
“We can always use volunteers.”
Nichol looks forward to seeing people come out to watch the action, and expressed in advance his gratitude for the ongoing support from visitors and residents.
“In the end, they’re the ones who make it possible.”
