Mid-June in Crossfield means only one thing to most residents – Pete Knight Days – the annual rodeo and town celebration held annually since 1977.
This 2011 version of the popular event is in the final preparation stages and will be ready to take over the town June 17 to 19.
There will be a two-day Foothills Cowboy Association-sanctioned rodeo, a demolition derby on the Saturday night, mutton bustin’ during the rodeo intermissions, concerts on the first two nights and the eighth annual Show and Shine on Sunday.
“There are a lot of things still left to do in the next couple weeks, but the excitement level is definitely starting to rise,” said Pete Knight Days President Ken Dixon. “This will likely be the biggest and best Pete Knight Days to date.”
Honouring the legendary bronc rider Pete Knight, who hailed from Crossfield, the event has grown steadily and has come to attract about 3,000 spectators to the rodeo grounds each year.
Dixon said adding new elements has always been part of the tradition as well.
“We have several new features this year, including the Ladies’ Colour Guard from Caroline and the Wildrose Mounted Shooters, who come out with their pistols and fire at balloons while riding at full speed,” he said. “It’s really entertaining and popular.”
The demolition derby, which was added a few years ago, has become one the most popular attractions.
“That’s a lot of fun because it draws a whole different crowd than the rodeo,” Dixon said. “This is the fourth year we’ve had it and people really seem to enjoy it.”
Rodeo action begins at 7 p.m. on June 17, with a dance and band KIXXSIN to follow and fireworks at 11 p.m. On June 18, the Ag Society will host its pancake breakfast at the Pete Knight Memorial Arena from 8 to 10 a.m.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Railway Street and Limit Avenue, while day two of the rodeo begins at 1:30 p.m. After the rodeo, around 5 p.m., the demolition derby will commence, followed by a concert by country musician Justin Ament at 9 p.m. and fireworks at 11 p.m.
“The rodeo competition should be great and there should be something for everyone,” Dixon said. “There is some really great entertainment lined up.”
