Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo heading into 20th year

Times Reporter 

 

The Annual Big Rock Canadian Rockies International Rodeo and Music Festival is celebrating its two-decade mark this year, on June 28-30 at the Strathmore rodeo grounds, welcoming gay-friendly riders and families. 

A large contingent of riders are expected to travel from the United States, as certain rodeos this year were cancelled south of the border. The Canadian Rockies International Rodeo holds traditional roping, speed, and rough stock events, but also features goat dressing, steer deco, and wild drag. The latter team events are more light-hearted and geared towards families, but can still be dangerous to some degree, said Communications Director of the Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association, Drew Davidson. 

“We’ve had brothers, or fathers and daughters compete. It’s great to be able to have an event where the family can be involved,” he said.

The ARGRA is attempting to lower the age of competition (which is currently at 18) in order to provide more support to younger teens that may want to come out as gay individuals. This way, they can compete in rodeo events within an accepting environment. Anyone is open to enter — men, women, and of any sexual orientations.

“The one thing that’s different about ours, is that both males and females can compete in the events, whereas in traditional rodeo, bull riding and steer riding tend to be male,” Davidson said. “So it’s a nice difference. All the power to whoever wants to do that.”

The ARGRA is holding a Rodeo School on the morning of June 28, for anyone interested in chute dogging, bull riding, steer riding, or roping. No experience is necessary, and professional contestants in the weekend’s rodeo walk you through the lessons. It’s $25 per event, and most students even participate the next day in the competition.

“Some people even buckle in their first go, which is amazing,” Davidson said.

Over 100 volunteers are needed to put on the event; the music festival begins at 4 p.m. on June 28 with 19 musical acts, and Tornado Night Club, located on the grounds, will have eight DJ’s over the weekend as well.

Different packages and tickets are available; go to www.argra.org for more details.