Rodeo is returning to Arcola on Friday, August 11 after a 13-year hiatus and rodeo committee president Mike Wyatt says: “It'll be action-packed and awesome.”
“It'll be our first rodeo in 13 years,” says Wyatt. “And it all takes place at the Arcola Fairgrounds. In case of rain, we've got a huge tent that'll accommodate 400 people. That way, everyone can stay dry and watch the rodeo - if it rains.”
“We've got saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, Junior steer riding, barrel racing, wild pony races, wild horse racing and even mutton-busting for the kids.”
The CCA (Canadian Cowboy Association) and MRCA (Manitoba Rodeo Cowboy Association) - approved roughstock event will welcome competitors from throughout Saskatchewan, as well as cowboys and cowgirls from across Canada.
“Our competitors are from all over Canada,” says Wyatt. “And we might also have some cowboys from the U.S., too.”
Wyatt says he and his fellow committee members Lisa Eaton, Marie Foy, Chad George, Chris Nidish and Beth and Wade Westfall have been planning rodeo's return to their community for over a year.
“I can't thank them enough for their hard work,” he says. “And I'd like to give a huge shout-out to Jeremy Johnston and Mike Heidinger, too. Jeremy supplied the dirt to the arena and Mike brought out the pickers, so it's looking great.”
The event kicks off at 4:00 p.m. when the beer gardens open. The rodeo starts at 6:30 and the cabaret rounds out the evening at 9 p.m.
“We've got Tim Romanson & Cattle Drive playing the cabaret,” says Wyatt. “I've seen them and they play everything from old-style rock to fast-syle country music. They're a great rodeo band and they'll really get the crowd going.”
“And we also have designated drivers on hand to make sure everyone gets home safely.”
Wyatt says that barbequed hamburgers and hot dogs will be sold on site and an ice cream vendor will also be in attendance.
“And we'll have Global Cotton Candy and popcorn for sale, too,” he adds.
Wyatt says of the Arcola Rodeo: “It's a fantastic opportunity for everyone to see the rodeo up close. If you're sitting in the front row, you're going to get dirt in your face.”
“But seriously, it's a great chance to mingle with the cowboys and cowgirls and learn more about rodeo,” he adds. “And this year, we'll have two bullfighters who will be there to sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans of all ages - but especially, kids.”
“As bullfighters, Dean Glencross and Adam Swanson are our rodeo saviors. Their job is to come between the cowboy and the bull. And if necessary, they're the ones who take the hit.”
Wyatt - a rodeo competitor himself - says “All of the events are great and if people are new to rodeo, they often like to see the bull riding. But one of my favourites is the wild horse races. I'm competing in that one and it's pretty exciting.”
“The horses are two-, three- and four-year-olds who have never been touched. They'll just have a halter and lead shank and our job is to get them saddled and ride them around. Arcola's never had them at the rodeo before, so it's an entirely new event for us.”
Wyatt says the committee aims to make the Arcola Rodeo affordable and sustainable.
“We want to give good value and grow the event, year after year,” he says. “Admission for adults is $20 - and that includes admission into the cabaret. Kids ages 12 to 15 pay $10, and children 11 and under are free.”
“If kids are planning to register for mutton-busting, we ask that they come early to register between 5:45 and 6:15 p.m., because we have limited entries.”
“Our sponsors from Arcola and all of the surrounding communities have been amazing,” says Wyatt. “I think everyone's really excited for the return of the rodeo to Arcola.
“There really is something for everyone.”
