BRUCE AND HIGH PRAIRIE TO HOST RODEOS INTO NEXT WEEK
July 30, 2010
Every year, the hamlet of Bruce, Alta. place plays host to nearly 2,000 rodeo fans and more than 100 professional athletes.
“I’m looking forward to everything,” says Rob Chomik, president of the Bruce Stampede Association.
“To keep the rodeo going for the community, for my kids and hopefully their kids to appreciate it. That’s why I give my time,” he smiles. “(Rodeo) is the Alberta way. It’s our heritage.”
The oldest one-day rodeo in Canada celebrates 97 years on August 1, but it’s a full weekend, to be sure.
“Saturday (July 31) is our local rodeo, our amateur rodeo. That’s where everybody starts. (Fans) can stay for the dance, then Sunday is the parade, pancake breakfast, and the pro rodeo performance,” Chomik outlines.
“There’ll be wagon races, and a barbecue supper, too, which is a highlight for a lot of people. There’s not much more you can pack into one day,” he exclaims. “We usually run over a hundred contestants in that one day, so you get your money’s worth.”
The two-day High Prairie Elks Rodeo gets started on August 3 and are celebrating their 50th anniversary. It all kicks off with a parade in downtown High Prairie, Alta. at 11 a.m., followed by the first rodeo performance at 3 p.m. |
