Gleichen saddles up for another rodeo

Times Reporter   

 

The 11th consecutive Gleichen Rodeo is set to get underway on the weekend of Aug. 22-23, at the Gleichen Ag Society rodeo grounds. 

The rodeo may be small but it still provides the entertainment value of larger rodeos. 

“It is pretty much like your normal FCA rodeo. They have got the wild pony races and sheep riding for the kids,” said Slim Wilson, Gleichen Rodeo organizer.

As for live entertainment, there will be live bands the whole weekend, with some new bands and repeat artists that appear every year.

“There will be live entertainment in the beer gardens for at least Friday and most likely both nights,” said Wilson. “The first night will have a couple of guys with guitars and then the second night will be a band which will hopefully be Logan Hope from last year.”

Local riders and stock will be used for the event.

“It would be similar to Rockyford, having the same stock and same cowboys,” said Wilson.

According to Wilson, the average crowds for the rodeo will be around 200 to 300 people for both days.

“The kids events, for sure, are a favourite as they have a ton of people such as grandparents, relatives and parents that come out to watch the wild horse races,” said Wilson.

Local cowboys and cowgirls will try and give the crowd something to cheer about.

“Gleichen’s Jayden and Riley Wilson will be there competing in the junior barrels. Marcie Wilson will be in the Ladies Barrel racing, Jason Wilson will be in bull fighting,” said Wilson.

The prize money will be a pot of $1,200 and the juniors have $400 added on to their possible earnings.