MOTHER NATURE NO MATCH FOR BRONCS AND HONKY TONKS INDOOR PRO RODEO
April 15 , 2010

While Mother Nature may have brought things in Southern Alberta to a standstill in recent days, it’s business as usual for the Broncs and Honky Tonks Indoor Pro Rodeo committee in Medicine Hat, Alta. They are getting ready for their annual three-day rodeo that will spring into action at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 16.

“We never did lose our power. The weather's sunny, it's supposed to be eight or ten degrees above here today and we're good to go,” said rodeo chairman Brian Palichuk over the background noise of sound checks.

“The highways are all 100 per cent and probably by the time things kick off on Friday there won't be any snow. It's supposed to be 18 above on Sunday,” he added.

The dual-sanctioned CPRA/PRCA event will welcome over 360 contestants from both Canada and the United States. They will be competing in the six major events, team roping, novice saddle bronc riding and steer riding.

Novice saddle bronc riding is a new feature at the rodeo this year and will showcase the potential of up-and-coming rodeo athletes as well as the bucking stock provided by Kesler Championship Rodeo and Kesler Rodeo Co.

For those wanting to start the weekend’s rodeo action early, there will be a Team Roping Jackpot on Thursday evening at the MHES Fieldhouse on the Stampede Grounds. Entries will be taken at 6:30 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. start.

On Saturday, April 17 at 10:30 a.m. there will also be a 3D Barrel Racing Jackpot.

Evening rodeo performances start at 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday nights and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children aged 12 and under. Tickets are available at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede office, customer service at the Medicine Hat Mall, or online at www.mhstampede.com

Plan to stay around after the rodeo on both nights and enjoy the Western Cabaret in the Pavilion. Admission is $5