53rd annual Rockyford Rodeo still going strong

Posted on: J A McRae

Shannon LeClair – Times Reporter

For those who went to the Calgary Stampede but didn’t get their fill of the rodeo, Rockyford is hosting the 53rd annual rodeo from July 23 to 25. This is the first time in a few years that the rodeo will take place over three days. Friday afternoon will be timed events only. 
“We’ve taken the Sunday morning slack and are going to do it on Friday afternoon now,” said Darcy Koester, an organizer of the rodeo.  Part of the reason the Rockyford agricultural society has added back the extra day is because entries, especially on timed events, have gone up this year. Timed events include things like barrel racing and calf roping.

On Saturday, July 24, there will be a free pancake breakfast, followed by the parade and then a gunfight on Main Street. The parade starts at 10 a.m., and the gunfight will be at 11 a.m.

Professional entertainers were hired to come down and give the crowd the look and feel of a real western showdown and gunfight. The rodeo will start at 12:30 p.m. and there will be  BBQ beef on a bun available at 5:30 p.m. T.C & Company, country and western performers, will be performing at night for the rodeo, and this year there is something new. On Saturday and Sunday there will be a ‘catch and keep’, but Koester won’t give away what it is or means.

“People will just have to come down to the rodeo and see what that’s all about,” said Koester. Friday and Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, the chuck wagon chariots will be putting on a show. This year will still have some old favourites such as pack horse races and the poker bull fight. The rodeo starts at 1 p.m. Friday, and camping is included with a weekend pass.