Sundre’s main event of the year is again poised to host an international range of top rodeo talent while drawing out thousands of fans over the coming weekend.
Plans for the 39th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo’s four performances, which take place Friday to Sunday, are coming along well. Enthusiasts can expect to be well entertained with a great turnout of contestants, complemented by the comedic touch of return entertainer Dennis Halstead, said Shane Crouch, president of the Sundre Rodeo and Race Association.
The first performances take place this Friday evening, when the 2018-19 Miss Rodeo Sundre queen and princess will be crowned. This year’s contestants are Jayden Calvert, Jasmine Dahl and Codi Wilson. Also taking part in the ceremony will be last year’s queen, Alisa Brace.
Saturday’s events kick off at 7 a.m. with the free cowboy breakfast hosted by the Sundre IGA, which continues to make a major contribution by feeding a massive crowd, said Crouch.
By around 10 a.m., the Pro Rodeo Parade procession will begin to make its way east along Main Avenue from the staging area stretching between 10th Street SW near Tim Hortons and Sixth Street SW near Pioneer Veterinary Services. The route then turns south onto Second Street SW from Main Avenue, looping back around by the museum and behind the grocery store to return to the staging area, said Moe Fahey, co-parade organizer with Heidi Overguard.
There are four marching bands this year — the Innisfail Pipe Band, the Red Deer Royals, the Calgary Round-Up Band as well as Sundre High School’s marching band, along with an appearance by the Calgary Stampede Show Wagon, said Fahey.
While the parade procession once passed through the traffic lights along Centre Street South, the route was changed to accommodate the town’s growth, she said.
“We need those lights clear for emergencies and people who are going to and from the north.”
Additionally, adapting the route helps to alleviate the traffic burden on the Red Deer River Bridge while also freeing up the way to the Sundre Hospital and Care Centre. Otherwise, the route remains unchanged, she said.
Although this will be the first year the parade entries navigate the mini-roundabouts, Fahey did not seem remotely concerned and said the marching bands had been notified. While some of the larger vehicles might have a slightly bumpy ride, the roundabouts are designed to allow large loads to drive over them and the procession progresses along slowly at just a few kilometres per hour anyway, she said.
Afterwards, the Sundre Rodeo Grounds will become a hive of activity as Saturday’s first of two performances will start getting underway shortly after noon. There will not be any midway rides again this year, but volunteers with the McDougal Flats Chapel have plans to bring out even more bouncy castles than last year, with the addition of a dunk tank, said Crouch, adding the Sundre Farmer’s Market will also be set up on the west side of the grounds’ main entrance.
In between performances, the Equine Entertainers Trick Riding Team — a group of four riders including Sundre’s Cora Croteau — will offer spectators some thrills, he said, adding people can also look forward to some laughs courtesy of rodeo clown Dennis Halstead.
The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association's 2017 entertainer of the year said he looks forward to Sundre’s event.
“It’s always a great rodeo.”
Halstead said he considers himself fortunate to be able to pick and choose which events to attend, and prefers to go where it’s fun.
“They’ve had a great committee and great people — that’s what keeps bringing me back.”
While facing off with charging bulls and bucking broncos generates an adrenalin rush, the biggest thrill, he said, comes from seeing smiles and hearing laughter from the kids and the rest of the crowd, as well as engaging thousands of people at once.
“I’m pretty lucky to be able to do what I do.”
Saturday evening’s performances will be followed up with the cabaret at the Sundre Arena, featuring musical talent by Jamie Woodfin. Sunday’s final performances start at about 12:30 p.m. after the cowboy church at the grounds, and will be followed by championship buckle presentations.
Already setting his sights on next year’s milestone 40th annual event, Crouch said the association is pursuing grant funding that will facilitate further upgrades to the grounds’ west side.
“We’re calling that Front of House now,” he said.
Plans include laying some asphalt as well as renovating the kitchen. The association strives to make the annual event bigger and better every year by making improvements, he said.
Visit www.sundrerodeo.com for more information, or be sure to pick up a copy of the 39th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo magazine, available at the Round Up and local businesses while supplies last.
