The small village of Rockyford is going to be bustling this weekend as cowboys and rodeo fans come out for the 56th annual Rockyford Rodeo.
The weekend long rodeo starts on Friday, July 26, and will feature some of the top names in professional rodeo. The weekend will deliver non stop action for any rodeo lover and the entire family.
Each day is crammed with rodeo action and the events remain largely the same as previous years, featuring steer wrestling, team roping, bareback, barrel racing and more.
A rider hangs on to the steer during his ride at last year’s Rockyford Rodeo. The village is getting ready for the 56th annual rodeo, which starts on Friday, July 26, and lasts all weekend.
Each day at 6:30 p.m., there will be chuckwagon races as well. There will also be miniature wild horse races on Saturday and Sunday, motorcycle race, a midway, free pancake breakfast, parade, and dance.
“By the sounds of it, we’re going to have a great weekend. The amount of contestants and sponsorship is way up from last year. I think it’s great for the community and committee involved in organizing the rodeo, because it shows they are doing things right,” said Rockyford Mayor Darcy Burke.
Though not much else has changed, the grounds will boast a few new features this year.
“We’ve got a new announcer booth, rodeo office, and a new outdoor beer booth,” said Darcy Koester, a member of the rodeo organizing committee.
The weekend will also mark the homecoming of a Rockyford native, Niki Flundra (formerly Cammaert) who has made quite a name for herself across North America as a trick rider.
“She’s a trick rider and from Rockyford originally. She’s done performances all over North America with her horses, so it’ll be like a homecoming for her this weekend,” said Koester.
The rodeo is one of the largest events in Rockyford,
“It takes the whole community to put it on and it promotes Rockyford in such a large way,” said Burke. “I think our town triples in size.”
For tickets or information about the rodeo, call 403-533-3771.
“In our area, we’re one of the longest running rodeos,” said Koester. “Come over for the parade and free pancake breakfast on Saturday. Then, stay for the day and have some fun.”
