After more than a half century, the Rockyford Rodeo is still one of the premier events in Alberta, and this year it shows no sign of slowing down.
“It’s the same rodeo we have every year, three days of rodeo and three nights of chuckwagons and chariots,” said Darcy Koester, president of the Rockyford Lions. “We also have the mini wild horse race and the pack horse race.”
And that is just the action on the grounds.
While the slack starts on Friday afternoon for the timed events, and the first running of the chucks and chariots go at 6:30 p.m., the action heats up on Saturday morning on the griddle with a free pancake breakfast starting at 7 a.m., followed by a parade. For the second year, The Guns of the Old West are back, and there will be a gunfight on Main Street at 11 a.m.
“We’re going to see what they are up to this year,” chuckles Koester.
The rodeo continues Saturday starting at 12:30 p.m. and the chucks go at 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, the day starts with breakfast before the cowboys enter the infield at 1 p.m., and the final running of the chucks and chariots begin at 6:30 p.m.
The event also gives attendees a chance to kick up their heels on Friday and Saturday night with a dance and beer gardens with live entertainment from T.C. & Company.
This is the 54th year for the rodeo, and Koester says many factors go into making it a success.
“The volunteers are the number one thing. We also put on a very good show for the weekend, we have very good facilities and people always come back through the gates. Aside from volunteers, that is the most important thing. We have always had good attendance and people always come back,” said Koester.
