Airdrie’s marquee event of the year is set to take over the city next week.
The 44th annual Airdrie Pro Rodeo will take place from June 28 to July 2, featuring more cowboys and cowgirls than any other Canadian Professional Rodeo Association event, the sixth-largest rodeo payout in the country and more than 10,000 spectators expected to attend during the five days.
Bull Riding, Bareback, Saddlebronc, Team Roping, Tie Down Roping, Ladies’ Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, Boys’ Steer Riding and Junior rodeo events while be featured alongside live music, beer gardens, camping and children’s activities.
“We are the No. 1 rodeo in Canada by contestant entries and sixth on the money list,” said Aaron Braham, president of the Airdrie Rodeo Ranch Association. “The Airdrie Rodeo Ranch Association, as always, is 100 per cent volunteer-driven, with most of the members taking holiday time from their real jobs to make this rodeo come to life.”
The Airdrie Pro Rodeo is part of the Wrangler Canadian Rodeo Tour and has dual-approval from the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association as well as with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
The Junior Rodeo will begin at 6 p.m. every night, with the Pro Rodeo to follow at 7 p.m., except on Canada Day, when the Junior Rodeo will commence at 2 p.m. and the Pro Rodeo at 3 p.m.
“Exciting new developments include the hiring of new stock contractors Art Peters and the Outlaw Buckers Rodeo Corp.,” Braham said. “They have some of the deepest pens and some of the best stock in all of professional rodeo and are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat with some heart-stopping rides.”
The annual Tough Enough To Wear Pink event, to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, will be on June 28, while Red Friday will be on Canada Day, to show support for the Canadian military and their families.
Live entertainment will be held every night in the beer gardens after the last bull has been ridden. Quentin Reddy will hit the stage on June 28, while Chris LeBlanc will play on June 29 and 30 and July 1. Tacoma will also play on July 1, while Netty Mac will close down the event on July 2.
General admission tickets are $15 for ages 16-59, $10 for 60+, $5 for ages 7-15 and free for six and under, except on Canada Day, when ages 16-59 will be $25, with ages 60+ and 7-15 priced at $15.
Advance tickets are available at M&M Meats and Dick’s Pub More information is available at www.airdrieprorodeo.net
