The Estevan CCA Rodeo is just around the corner and the local rodeo grounds have undergone some significant upgrades since last year.
The rodeo is schedule for Sept. 7 to 9 this year and everyone can expect some changes at the rodeo grounds.
Competitors will be happy with the changes as the Estevan Exhibition Association has redone the grounds and replaced all the perimeter fencing. Fans will also be happy as the west side bleachers have had all their planks replaced.
Dallas Spencer, Estevan Exhibition Association president, said he is looking forward to another successful rodeo this year.
Last year the event was moved from July to September and Spencer said they were looking to return to the summer for this year.
"We wanted to move the rodeo back to the summer this year, but we had trouble booking a stock contractor for the dates we wanted," he said. "Hopefully next year, we will be back to running in the summer."
Although they didn't get the date they original wanted, Spencer is optimistic about the rodeo this year.
"Last year we were really happy with the rodeo," he said. "We lucked out with some great weather and had one of our best audiences ever."
In addition to having another good audience this year, Spencer said the benefit of having the rodeo in the fall is that it is one of the last one's of the year.
"We are expecting a good turnout for competitors as there is only one other rodeo that weekend," he said. "And being one of the last rodeos of the year, people are anxious to get out and get their last rides in."
The rodeo will start Sept. 7 with a parade at 4 p.m. The cowboys and cowgirls in the Canadian Cowboys Association (CCA) will then start to compete Friday (Sept. 7) and continue on Saturday. As always, the weekend will wrap-up with the Ranchers Rodeo Sept. 9.
It has been a busy year for the Estevan Exhibition Association as they have been planning the rodeo since March. Throw into the mix all the renovations the group has done, and it has required a lot of dedicated volunteers.
Spencer said the work at the grounds has taken up a lot of time.
"We get the same people out here every year helping out," he said. "I don't know what will happen if any of them ever leave."
The changes to the grounds will be great, but the association has made other changes to the rodeo this year.
During intermission at the rodeo, there will be a trick rider to entertain the fans. Spencer said they have had one in previous years and decided to bring it back.
There will also be a food vendor open at the exhibition grounds to feed all the hungry fans and participants.
Spencer is hoping for another great crowd at the rodeo this year and encourages everyone to attend.
"Come out and enjoy the weekend," he said. "And get in one last summer weekend."
