It’s time to dust off your rodeo boots.
The Bonnyville Agricultural Society is throwing their Spirit of Bonnyville Professional Rodeo, Pony Chucks, and Chariot Races from July 27 to 29.
President of the Bonnyville Ag Society Marguerite Vallee, said its a weekend people won’t want to miss. Between the rodeo events, music and dancing, midway, and more, there’s sure to be something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
This year, organizers are expecting around 200 participants to make their way into town. Chairman of the rodeo Matt Carswell encouraged residents to get out, and enjoy everything the weekend has to offer.
“It’s a high-energy sport to watch, a little bit dangerous, and there will be some pretty good competitors from all across North America,” he detailed.
Events included in the rodeo are tie-down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, saddle bronc, and bull riding.
Carswell has been involved with the rodeo for a number of years, and said the improvements to the Bonnyville Rodeo Grounds has kept the event going strong.
Throughout the weekend, there will be concession stands for food and vendors, as well as the midway.
It all starts with the chili cook-off hosted by the Bonnyville and Chamber of Commerce on the Friday at noon. Pony chucks and chariot races will start at 5 p.m. that evening, followed by the rodeo at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, the rodeo kicks-off at 1 p.m. Pony chucks and chariot races will begin at 7 p.m. On Sunday, there’s a final day of pony chucks and chariot races at the grounds starting at 2 p.m.
Vice president of the Bonnyville Ag Society Mitch Michaud said the rodeo normally features the larger chuckwagons, but this is the first time they’re pairing it up with the pony chucks.
“We were approached by the pony chuck association and they asked if they could run on the same weekend as our rodeo,” Michaud said.
He explained that a chariot race is when a competitor is pulled in a smaller wagon around the track by two horses, and the fastest time wins.
Carswell noted some events will take place on Friday morning starting at 9 a.m., and that the public is welcome to attend.
“The timed events we can’t fit into the performances will happen Friday morning,” explained Carswell. “That will be tie-down roping, team roping, and ladies barrel racing.”
A pancake breakfast will start the Saturday festivities off from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the rodeo grounds, followed by a farmers’ market in the beer gardens from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Calgary-native Tim Hus and his band will perform during the dance at 9 p.m.
Volunteers are still needed for the weekend, and there’s a lot to be done to ensure it runs without a hitch.
“At this point, (anyone interested in volunteering) could just go to the volunteer building on the Friday and see if there’s need for anybody,” Vallee explained.
Volunteers would mainly help in running the concession stand, and would be required to assist with food prep by cooking, running orders from the kitchen to customers, or running tills.
