The Airdrie Ranch Rodeo will have a new identity ñ and a new date this July.
Hosted by the Airdrie Ag Society, the annual amateur competition, which features 10 teams of four competing in cattle penning, cattle doctoring, cattle sorting, cattle loading and branding, has separated itself from the Airdrie Pro Rodeo.
It will take place at Crossfieldís Irvine Tack and Trailer on July 21, rather than in its traditional spot on day one of the Airdrie event, held during the Canada Day long weekend.
ìThe reason we did the change was because of the long weekend,î said Airdrie Ranch Rodeo chairman Al Golemme. ìWe just couldnít get enough contestants to join. And with the Pro Rodeo being on, most contestants want to watch the rodeo or go away on the long weekend. It just made sense for us to move the date if we wanted to grow the event ñ and thatís the intent of the Airdrie Ag Society Ranch Rodeo.î
The Ranch Rodeo is one of two major events the Ag Society puts on each year, the other being the Fall Fair.
Golemme said the Ag Society is looking forward to forging the Ranch Rodeo into an autonomous event, away from the Airdrie Pro Rodeo, often one of the richest rodeos in the country.
ìItís going to be self-contained this year,î he said. ìIt has completely changed its appearance, so weíre very excited and weíre all very happy about it. Things are looking good.î
The Airdrie Ag Society will host its next meeting on March 26, where budgets will be approved and further details on the Ranch Rodeo are expected to be announced.
