50th Rocky Pro Rodeo this weekend

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On Saturday, the streets of Rocky will be packed with spectators during the Rocky Rodeo Parade. Organizer Ernie Closs says the theme of this year’s parade is ’50 Years Of Pro Rodeo in Rocky Mountain House’. The parade will kick off at 11 a.m.

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Closs adds, as always, there is no charge for participants to be in the parade. Floats will begin lining up after 8 a.m. at the Rocky Regional Recreation Centre arena parking lot on Saturday morning.

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READ MORE: Rocky Rodeo Parade to celebrate 50 years of history

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Shane Closs, president of the Rocky Stampede Board says he’s seen the event grow in popularity during his tenure.

“With the amazing weather we had last year, I’d say, on a good night we had probably over 3000 people,” says Closs.

Closs estimates the amount of spectators has doubled since 2007 when the rodeo moved to its current North Saskatchewan River Park from the previous uptown Rocky location.

Entrance sign at North Saskatchewan River Park (rdnewsNOW/Jordan Rein)

Organizers say the action will be akin to many larger rodeos such as the Ponoka Stampede and Calgary Stampede, as many of the same participants and rodeo stock will be part of all the events.

In addition to top-tier rodeo action, Rodeo Chair Brianna Kantor says there will be a weekend full of entertainment at Cheap Charlie’s, a venue set up on the rodeo grounds.

“The Thursday, we have Westland Dance doing a line dance class,” says Kantor. “Friday and Saturday night, we have Quinton Blair coming back from last year.”

Kantor adds, visitors are also invited to the Wild West Market set up on the rodeo grounds where local vendors will be making their goods available, such as clothing, jewelry, western wear and more.

The weekend will be standout days at the rodeo featuring trick riders, clowns bringing in a new act and the return of mutton busting to the rodeo Saturday and Sunday, says Kantor, as well as a pancake breakfast and cowboy church Sunday morning.

Admission for the rodeo is $20 per performance or $25 for a full day pass. Seniors and students ages 6-12 are $10 and kids under five are free.

Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at Scotiabank in Rocky Mountain House.

Click here for more information.