It has been 17 years since the sounds of the gates crashing open, and hooves pounding the ground for eight seconds until the horn blast, have been heard at the Drumheller and District AG Society, but this summer rodeo is back.
The Drumheller and Morrin Lions have partnered with the Ag Society and will be hosting Dino Days Stampede on June 20- 21. This is a full slate evening rodeo that includes bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, junior bull riding, all the roping events and barrel racing.
Rodeo performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with slack on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Al Bouchard, president of Rugged Rodeo is producing the show.
“It looks like it is going to be a good event, it’s going the right way,” said Bouchard.
This is an open Rodeo, and Rugged Rodeo does about six events a year. They have been growing and returning to many areas like Drumheller that once had rodeos. COVID took a toll on events, but Bouchard said they are slowly regrowing the sport.
“We’re trying to add three new events a year,” he explains. “I used to come to Drumheller when it was a pro rodeo and compete, and it was a really good event. I could never figure out why it came to an end. Drumheller is a rodeo town.”
He says the organizers are working hard to make preparations for the event build sponsorship and set up volunteers.
“It’s a lot of work. The Drumheller Lions Club, Morrin Lions Club and the Ag Society, there are a lot of people working on this thing to make it happen. It is a lot of people wanting to do something good for the community,” said Bouchard.
The funds raised by the rodeo will go back to the community.
President of the Drumheller Lions Kat Mundell says she is feeling enthusiasm as the word spreads. Right now they have just begun its sponsorship drive and will also be looking for volunteers to help with the event. There will also be a lot of work to get the venue in shape.
For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities contact 403-823-8543 or email drumhellerlionsrodeo@gmail.com.
