Back in the Saddle kicks-off for busy summer

Andrea Roberts
Times Contributor

 

The Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA) hosted their first event of the summer on May 9, hoping to bond with the Strathmore community.
The Back in the Saddle event was held at the Strathmore Civic Centre and was planned to be a get-together with live music from singer Jake Matthews and Calgary-based singer Kyemara.
As the association has big plans for their rodeo this year, and the time leading up to it, Jason Baker, president of ARGRA says the event was a chance to introduce themselves to the people of Strathmore, and hope that the town will take part in the festivities.
As the association is run entirely by volunteers all the proceeds raised that night will go towards the Alberta Rockies International Rodeo, as well as some charities picked by ARGRA.
Along with raising money, they hoped to be able to have fun and inform people about the rodeo.
The event, however, had a poor turnout, meaning the association will have to re-think a few things as well as pull out of the donations to the charities.
In an e-mail Baker says that with all the money and business they bring to Strathmore, they had hoped for more support. However they still have more plans for the town.
On June 26 to 28 the association will be hosting their annual rodeo as well as a whole new Music Festival that will see the musical talents of Leeann Rimes, the Village People, Emerson Drive and much more. The artists have all been supportive in the planning of the festival and Baker said the support from the stars has been fundamental.
During the day spectators can enjoy child-friendly grounds while enjoying local bands. Then at night the stars will put on the music festival while the association’s Tornado nightclub will cater for adults.
The rodeo is for everyone, gay or straight, which is something the association wants people to know.
“We are not a gay rodeo but an equal one,” says Baker. “If you want to be a woman bull-rider, good for you, or if you want to be a male barrel-rider, then good for you. We have events that in a normal rodeo a woman would never have a chance to compete in, but we are a little different.”
The event will bring in about 5,000 people every day to Strathmore as well as a couple million dollars. Baker hopes that more people from the town will come out and have fun.
“It has always been the Rockies International Rodeo, the fact that it’s put on by a gay association is immaterial for us … it is a safe place for everybody,” says Baker. “We don’t care whether you are straight or gay, just come on out, have fun, and enjoy yourself.”