WATCH/GALLERY: Rodeo weekend starts on high note

What a blast!

From the raising of the Cochrane Lions Rodeo flag to the wrap up concert by country recording artist Mariya Stokes, day one of the 57th annual Cochrane Lions Club Labour Day Weekend Rodeo is one for the record books.

The largest crowd ever attended the Slimdor Ranch Rodeo. Previously to that, upwards of 1,000 people were treated to a free barbecue lunch.

Free was the word of the day--free lunch, free ranch rodeo, free concert. The Lions Club teamed up with some generous sponsors to show its appreciation to the community for its support over the years.

Tomorrow, the FCA-sanctioned rodeo gets underway. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the action gets underway at 1.