Fans of the Kamsack Indoor Rodeo who followed the cowboys and cowgirls of the Canadian Cowboys Association as they competed at their finals during Agribition, will have to go to Swift Current beginning next year.
But rodeo fans will have a different group of professional athletes to cheer on at the Agribition rodeo in Regina.
“Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) is excited to announce a new rodeo partnership and structure for the 2016 edition of Canada's largest livestock exhibition and trade show,” said a release from Agribition. “CWA is pleased to partner with Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) to host the Agribition Pro Rodeo in 2016.”
The four performance rodeo will take place during Agribition November 21 to 26 and is the first pro rodeo of its kind in Saskatchewan, the release said. The event will feature 16 top athletes from each of the seven major events who will be divided into two pools of eight competing in two performances each.
“Inviting the best cowboys and cowgirls in rodeo to Agribition offers visitors a new entertainment experience,” it said.
“It is Agribition's first time using this model and we intend to raise the fan experience and deliver a world-class event just like everything else we do,” said Bruce Holmquist, CWA Rodeo chair.
The roster will be based on the Pro Rodeo Canada standings at the end of the 2016 regular season and will be the inaugural event of the 2017 schedule, it said. Top professional competitors from around the world will battle for $100,000 in prize money, giving rodeo fans in Saskatchewan high energy, action-packed rodeo to enjoy.
“We are excited to welcome Agribition into our rodeo family as we continue to move forward with our commitment to grow our sport in Canada,” said Murry Milan, CPRA president. “Regina has always been a great rodeo community and I know our rodeo athletes will look forward to competing at what will be an amazing kick-off to our season.”
Meanwhile, the City of Swift Current, the Canadian Cowboys Association (CCA), and the Swift Current Agricultural and Exhibition Association have announced that they are partnering to present the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the events which until this year had been held in Regina during Agribition, will now be held in Swift Current October 19 to 22.
“The City of Swift Current and the Ag and Ex are proud to support the CCA’s vision of fostering and growing the rodeo community by hosting this championship finals for the next five years, said a release from the Swift Current Ag and Ex.
The Canadian Finals Rodeo is one of Canada’s largest rodeo events attracting the best talent, featuring seven major events and two junior events, it said. The major events include saddle bronc, bareback, tie down roping, steer wrestling, ladies’ barrel racing, team roping and bull riding. The junior events include junior ladies’ barrel racing and junior bull riding.
The October 2016 schedule will consist of the traditional five rodeo performances, competitions, a trade show, rodeo cabaret, and countless opportunities for camaraderie with family, friends, visitors and competitors, it said.
The Canadian Cowboys Association (CCA) was founded in 1963 with rodeos happening throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and the Western States, it said. It has grown to be the largest semi-pro rodeo association in Canada, sanctioning over 60 rodeos.
The Canadian Cowboys Association headquarters, located in Regina, is the sanctioning body for over 60 rodeos in Canada, including Kamsack’s. Memberships have risen to over 900, and the more than 50 events annually draw in over 20,000 spectators. The board of directors consist of competing members, judges, stock contractors and committee personnel who strive to support the next generation of rodeo competitors by providing a place to compete and the best of conditions as they prepare for the professional arena.
Since its inception in 1938, Swift Current Ag and Ex has been bringing together farmers, ranchers and agriculturalists to share information on what is happening in their industries. The board of directors and community committees have been producing rodeos and rodeo related events for 77 years and continues to be the ‘Show window of the Southwest.’
