ROSTHERN — The Kakeyow Cowboys Rodeo Association rodeo has long been a feature of the Rosthern Ag Society, and it is back in Rosthern, on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 at the Rosthern Ag Society fairgrounds located adjacent to the Seager Wheeler National Historic Site, seven kilometres east of Rosthern along Highway 312.
Rodeo events include saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, barrel racing and mutton busting. Food trucks and beer gardens will be available on-site. Debit sales will be available at most Food Trucks and the Beer Garden; however, it will be cash or pre-purchased tickets only at the gate. There is no ATM on-site. To purchase tickets in advance, go to https://events.frontdoor.plus/event/1230.
The weekend kicks off Friday with the Josh Lehmann Memorial Roping starting at 2:30 p.m. This is a separate event from the rodeo but runs in conjunction with it. Admission for Friday’s event is free, with donations going to the Rosthern Ag Society and SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network. The KCRA rodeo action begins on Saturday, July 26, with Slack at 8 a.m., Mutton Busting at 3 p.m., and the rodeo performance at 4 p.m. On Sunday, July 27, Slack starts the day at 8 a.m. and is followed by the rodeo performance at 2 p.m. The Slack order followed at all KCRA Rodeos starts with barrels – ladies’, juniors’, pee wee; tie down roping; breakaway roping – ladies’, juniors, pee wee; team roping – adult, junior, pee wee; junior steer riding; bull riding.
The KCRA, founded in 1999, is a unique, family-focused organization committed to offering Saskatchewan youth the chance to develop and improve their rodeo skills in a safe, enjoyable, friendly, and family-oriented environment that fosters character, respect, and diligence while promoting the sport of rodeo. Events include Tie-down Roping, Bareback and Saddle Bronc, Ladies and Junior Breakaway, Team Roping, Junior and Peewee Team Roping, Ladies, Junior, and Peewee Barrel Racing, Mutton Bustin', Junior and Peewee Steer Riding, Steer Wrestling, and Bull Riding. Kakeyow means "all together.' The KCRA enables families to stay "all together' by organizing events for all age groups, from peewee to retirement.
KCRA Finals Rodeo will be held at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon on September 26, 27 and 28.
Undertaken in 2022, the move to Seager Wheeler Historic Farm opened new possibilities for RAS with its new full-size arena. The Farm had a large field area north of its main entry, which became the new home for the fairgrounds. Much of the work involved in the undertaking was done in 2022 with the help of volunteers and the partners on the project, including the Seager Wheeler Historic Farm, local businesses, Rosthern 4-H, the Town of Rosthern, R.M. of Rosthern, and community partners encompassing the entire valley area. RAS upgraded its facilities the following spring to accommodate new equine events, including Saskatchewan Barrel Racing Association Barrel Racing Jackpots, and rodeos. Improvements made for the 2024 season included the addition of electricity and arena lighting. On July 4, RAS announced it had received a grant from Farm Credit Canada for capital expenditures. The grant funds will provide the seed funding for a permanent shelter at the grounds to replace the tent that has been used since the move. The structure, once complete, will serve as the beer garden, a shaded gathering space, and a multipurpose shelter for events. Any donation towards the project, whether as materials, funds, labour, or equipment, is appreciated.
The Rosthern Agriculture Society promotes the continuation of agriculture through volunteerism, fundraising for worthy causes, and putting on events throughout the year that focus on good, clean family fun. With a focus on youth initiatives and multicultural inclusiveness, RAS is looking forward to another century of growing and learning. Agricultural Societies promote social interaction within communities by sponsoring educational and entertainment activities. These activities catalyze community development and spirit. As forums for the discussion of agricultural issues, Agricultural Societies increase the knowledge level of urban residents on the role and importance of agriculture. They also provide leadership in development opportunities, encourage the conservation of natural resources, preserve historical information on community development, and promote pride in the community’s heritage. Being at the heart of rural communities, Agricultural Societies bring communities together, showcasing excellence in all things agriculture. They are non-political, grass-roots organizations, whose primary objective is to promote the improvement of agriculture, improve the quality of life in their communities through education and provide an interface between rural and urban community residents.
Rosthern Ag Society is a member of the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions (SAASE). SAASE administers a financial contribution program to support agricultural initiatives undertaken by its members. Eligible programs must address one or more of the three objectives: supporting rural living, community development, and agricultural awareness. SAASE also maintains contact and collaborates with other non-political, rural-based, and agriculture-related organizations, making them aware of the benefits of working with agricultural societies within Saskatchewan communities. Some of the organizations with which SAASE maintains significant contact include the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, Agriculture in the Classroom, Saskatchewan, Foundation for Animal Care, Saskatchewan (Farm Animal Council), the International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, Agricultural Hall of Fame, Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan 4-H, Tourism Saskatchewan, Progressive Agriculture Foundation, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, and other provincial Agricultural Associations across Canada.
