The prize for the second annual Professional Bareback Challenge at Bowden Daze is a lot bigger this year, says Keith Bailey, president of the Bowden Ag Society, the group which organizes the event.
Bailey notes this year, the prize for the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CARA)-sanctioned event is $14,000. Last year it was $10,000.
The Professional Bareback Challenge is part of the annual Bowden Bonanza Daze Rodeo, which takes place July 15-17 on the ag society grounds at the south end of Bowden.
Hometown cowboy Ky Marshall, 24, who grew up east of Bowden, won the top prize last year. Bailey says he's returning to defend his title this year.
In fact, Marshall is one of 24 cowboys participating in the bareback challenge, up from 16 last year.
Participants in the challenge are coming from across Canada and into the U.S., as far away as Utah.
The rodeo begins Friday, July 15 with the team roping jackpot at 6 p.m.
Also on Friday evening, Charlie Brittain and friends will participate in a free music jam.
On Saturday, July 16, events begin with a pancake breakfast, staged by the Bowden volunteer fire department at 7:30 a.m.
The Bowden Daze parade begins at 11 a.m., with a salute to the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.
At 12 noon, a barbecue lunch will be held at the town office parking lot, hosted by the Olds College Meat Market.
At 1 p.m., the CARA-sanctioned rodeo begins, with cattle penning occurring during intermission.
A barbecue roast beef supper will be held at 5 p.m.
The CPRA/PRCA-sanctioned Professional Bareback Challenge begins at 7 p.m.
At 10 p.m., a cabaret will be held, featuring Rooster In The Hen House, a band Bailey says is from Sundre.
Mutton-busting is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 17, starting at 12 noon.
The CARA rodeo begins at 1 p.m., with cattle penning taking place again during intermission.
A rodeo garage sale will also be Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Matthew's Anglican Church and the Bowden Thrift Store.
Also on Saturday, a huge book sale will be held at the library, with books going for 50 cents per book.
This year, there will be no ball tournament during the rodeo weekend. Junior rodeo won't be held at that time either. Bailey says that's due to a scheduling conflict with other events.
Beer gardens will be held all weekend.
Hometown cowboy Ky Marshall is coming back to defend his bareback challenge title
