Final preparations are underway to get ready for the many thousands of people who are expected to attend this weekend's 37th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo.
Final preparations are underway to get ready for the many thousands of people who are expected to attend this weekend's 37th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo.
"Every year we make improvements to the grounds and this year is no exception," said Shane Crouch, president of the Sundre Rodeo and Race Association.
"We have been working very hard on a new infield covered grandstand for the past six weeks and work will be completed on it by rodeo time."
Local contractor John Chartrand largely made the project possible. He built the structure and his workmanship and attention to detail made the project a reality, he said.
"Without him we would not have got the project done," said Crouch.
Also ensuring the project could be completed was some grant funding from the government, Mountain View County and the Town of Sundre, as well as a huge amount of sponsorship from various people and companies, he said.
"We are forever grateful for that."
The new grandstand replaced an aging structure and will seat approximately 275 people. To be as inclusive as possible to rodeo enthusiasts of all walks of life, it also boasts a "wheelchair access ramp to get our fans up close and personal to all the action of our rodeo," he said.
More than 450 professional athletes from Canada and the U.S. will be competing at the rodeo.
"We have Canadian and world champions entered at our rodeo, which shows the quality of rodeo that our small town puts on," he said, adding that's "something we are very proud of."
There are again four stock contractors returning this year — Franklin Rodeo Company, Calgary Stampede, Bar C5 and Chute 9 in the timed events, which includes some of the highest quality stock that performs here during the year as well as at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton and the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, he said.
"We also have over 35 entries in our local events, consisting of the wild cow milking, mutton busting, junior barrel racing and wild pony race, which gets our families in the community involved as well."
Organizers were also excited to be able to arrange the return of a popular clown, he said.
"Dennis Halstead is one of the best acts in Canada, and we are so happy that he is joining us again this year. We know he will keep the fans entertained all weekend with his acts and great interaction."
Further adding to the event's overall appeal are all the amusement park rides at the midway as well as a number of vendors on the west side of the grounds, he said.
Saturday's annual parade, which starts at about 10 a.m. following the pancake breakfast at the IGA, is expected to be better than ever. This year's theme is Salute to Men and Women in Uniform, and the parade committee, largely led by Heidi Overguard and Moe Fahey, put in many hours to get prepared, he said.
"It will be second to none again this year," said Crouch about the parade.
A special Saturday afternoon performance will feature the Strathcona Mounted Troop that will appear in the parade and later demonstrate horsemanship skills during the rodeo, "which will be sure to thrill the crowd," he said.
Later that night, anyone who is so inclined is welcome to attend the cabaret at the Sundre Arena, where TC and Company will be playing some live music. The cabaret is the perfect opportunity "for people to get together and have a great time."
A small-town event as huge as the Sundre Pro Rodeo doesn't just come together overnight.
"We have a great core of board members, committee members and volunteers who help put on our rodeo each and every year," he said, adding their efforts are greatly appreciated.
"It is a lot of hard work to put on our three-day event."
Additionally, sponsor support is crucial to making the rodeo a reality, and Crouch also expressed gratitude for all the contributions that make it all possible.
"With the way the economy has been the last year or so it shows what kind of community we have supporting us as our longtime sponsors have stuck with us again this year as well as a bunch of new sponsors coming on board."
Other communities throughout the country have not been so fortunate during the downturn. Because of financial constraints, there are numerous rodeos in Canada that could not go ahead this year, "and we are very lucky to be able to."
Visit www.sundrerodeo.com for more.
