High school rodeo in Strathmore this weekend

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Young rodeo competitors will be able to hone their skills at the Strathmore High School Rodeo this weekend, even if no spectators are allowed.

Strathmore has the longest running high school rodeo in Alberta, but last year’s event was cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions. This year, Alberta Health Services granted a conditional exemption to public health restrictions to the Alberta High School Rodeo Association (AHSRA), and the Strathmore High School Rodeo will be held this weekend, May 22 and 23.

Ryan Schmidt, CEO and general manager of the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society, said there are some strict rules in place to avoid the spread of COVID-19. These include a requirement for masks and no spectators during the event. Only 10 competitors at a time are allowed in the arena and they must be distanced from one another.

Schmidt is confident these measures will be effective. 

“We feel we can do it in a very safe manner, especially given the large amount of space we have and the very limited number of people who will be competing,” he said.

The event is being held to support youth in rodeo by offering them an opportunity to practice their skills. “This is a non-profit event for us,” said Schmidt. “It’s really important for these kids to just be able to complete their season.”

The event is part of Division 1 of the AHSRA, which includes high school-aged competitors from across southern Alberta. The Strathmore event features a long list of the typical rodeo competitions, including types of pole bending, roping and wrestling.

AHSRA high school rodeo finals will be held in Olds from June 4 to 6.