Above and beyond the traditional elements that people have come to expect of the Sundre Pro Rodeo, the upcoming 40th annual event will also include some new features.
The Sundre Rodeo and Race Association recently completed construction of a new permanent structure to house the beer garden. For the first time in the rodeo’s history, part of the program is going to boast a unique adrenalin-packed event that has been described as being among the oldest extreme sports in North America.
Officially recognized by the Canadian Indian Relay Racing Association, the competition will involve two teams of three First Nations riders in traditional garb, one of whom must mount a steed bareback and complete a lap before switching to another horse as quickly as possible with some help from teammates.
“We have them coming to our rodeo this year,” said Shane Crouch, Sundre Rodeo and Race Association president.
“I have never physically seen it, other than on video, but it looks amazing. I’m looking really forward to that,” said Crouch.
Organizers are also pleased to announce the latest addition at the Sundre Rodeo Grounds — the brand new, recently completed Wildhorse Saloon that will serve as the beer garden’s new home. Previously set up under a collapsible canopy called the Whiskey Tent, the new 2,400-square-foot structure boasts about four times as much space as was available before, he said.
Additionally, anyone seeking some refreshment will not have to worry about missing a single second of action courtesy of two, 60-inch screen televisions that will be broadcasting a live feed of the rodeo, he said.
With three big garage style doors — two on the building’s east side and another on the south side — the beer garden will also provide a wide open feeling, he added.
Although the bar is built on a wood floor, the rest of the ground for the time being will remain gravel. But the option to expand and eventually install full wooden flooring — or perhaps even concrete, which is more cost-prohibitive — remains on the table, he said.
Throughout the rest of the year, the rodeo and race association hopes to be able to rent the building out to host functions for people who might be interested in using the new venue. The building is wired and can have heat added, but does not yet have that service available, he said.
“The potential is there for a four-season building.”
In March, Sundre’s council approved the association’s requests to waive the arena’s rental for the Cowboy Cabaret — representing a cost of roughly $1,400 — as well as the development permit fee for the construction of the new beer garden and enhanced policing for the weekend.
“The town has been so receptive,” said Crouch.
“We get great support every year. But this year, they went above and beyond.”
The grounds now also have new vehicle and pedestrian gates at the south entrance off Fourth Avenue NW that mirror the one installed last year at the east entrance, which is used by competitors and to bring in stock, he said.
Visitors will have an opportunity to peruse Sundre Pro Rodeo paraphernalia including T-shirts, hats and posters at a new souvenir booth in the Lions Club building on the west side of the grounds where the food vendor used to be housed, he said.
While the association plans to build a new grandstand on the south end of the rodeo arena, he said that project has not yet been completed.
“That’s unfortunate, but we’ll have it up next year hopefully.”
However, in the meantime, the uncovered wooden bleachers were torn down because of safety concerns, he said.
Otherwise, he said plans for the milestone 40th annual pro rodeo have largely fallen into place, with organizers pretty well ready for this year’s event, which takes place June 21-23.
Rodeo entertainer Dennis Halstead will return to bring laughs, while trick rider Niki Flundra’s Unbridled act is sure to wow the audience. The rest of the program features traditional events from mutton busting, wild cow milking, and wild pony racing to junior competitions and of course the professional cowboys who will test their mettle on the toughest livestock, he said.
Visit www.sundrerodeo.com or look for the Sundre Pro Rodeo magazine in local establishments for more information including a full itinerary.
