The finest rodeo talent coupled with top of the line livestock promises plenty of heart pounding action during the upcoming 38th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo.
"All the big boys are coming to town," said Jim Bowhay, the organization committee's vice-president.
"It's all coming together."
Sundre's main event of the year takes place Friday, June 23 to Sunday, June 25. A warm-up barbecue is lined up at the local Sundre ATB branch's parking lot on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Later that evening, residents and visitors will have a chance to play BS Bingo outside the west grandstand at 6 p.m. followed by the evening's infield events at about 6:30 p.m.
Saturday morning gets off to an early start with the traditional 7 a.m. pancake breakfast hosted by the Sundre IGA, followed by the annual parade at around 10 a.m. The day's two rodeo performances are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., followed later that night by the Cowboy Cabaret that runs 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the Sundre Arena. Jamie Woodfin, a musician from Ponoka, will be performing live with a band.
The finals on Sunday take place at about 12:30 p.m. following a cowboy church service at 10 a.m.
Additionally, local resident Jack Robinson stepped up to do fireworks displays in collaboration with the Sundre Fire Department on both Friday and Saturday evenings after dusk in celebration of Canada Day 150.
Some of the special performances include appearances by the Young Gunz, who will be out on Saturday afternoon, as well as trick rider Shelbie Cummings, who performs Sunday afternoon. Also returning after last year's appearance to energize and pump up the crowd as well as elicit some laughter will be rodeo clown Dennis Halstead, said Bowhay.
"He's an unbelievable entertainer ó you don't win entertainer of the year for nothing!"
The triple-approved Sundre Pro Rodeo comes well accredited on the national and international circuits and is recognized by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, the World Professional Rodeo Association as well as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, he said.
With less than two weeks to go before showtime, Sundre Rodeo and Race Association president Shane Crouch told the Round Up volunteers are still welcome to help with final preparations.
Following major projects in recent years ó including replacing the sand in the arena as well as installing a brand new grandstand ó the association is this year mainly focused on other "odds and ends" including tasks such as weed whacking and painting touch-ups. Volunteers meet every Wednesday evening at the grounds in the lead up to the rodeo, said Crouch. Alternatively, anyone who wants to lend a hand can email [email protected].
"We're very proud of how our community comes together and hosts a great event," he said, adding the pro rodeo not only brings in many visitors who generate economic activity, but that the event also "puts our little town on the map. We're one of the top rodeos in the country."
While there are some people who express concerns regarding the treatment of animals during a rodeo, cowboys and owners invest plenty of time and energy to ensure all of the livestock is well looked after, he said.
"They're cared for better than most people's domestic livestock are ó the treatment is second to none."
The rodeo and race association's president told the Round Up he hopes to see residents and visitors alike come out to enjoy the action-filled, family-fun weekend, which also features a midway and concession.
"We'd love to have you out there," said Crouch.
