The annual Richer Roughstock Rodeo kicks off tomorrow, promising a full weekend packed with rodeo events and family fun.
Friday night kickoff
President Pat Solwyck says Friday night is one of the most exciting parts of the weekend, starting with the Bull Riders Canada Bullnanza at 7 p.m.
“Some of the top riders around will be there. We get a lot of the big name bulls, everything like that. It's a crazy, crazy time. If you haven't experienced it, it's a place you want to go! Then following that, of course, the Cowboy Social. And that's just a little bit crazier.”
From thrilling rides to the party that follows, Solwyck says Friday night is not to be missed.
“Thanks to the wonderful people in the Southeast, they've made this such a huge success, it's almost legendary now.”
Saturday fun
Saturday kicks off bright and early with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by the parade at 10 a.m.
Throughout the day, there will be a busking stage showcasing local talent, a family fun zone, a petting zoo, and many other activities for all ages.
Opening ceremonies will begin at 1:30 p.m., heading into a ‘full blown rodeo’.
“We have everything from bull riding, of course, to mutton busting for the little kids, chicken scramble, and calf roping,” Solwyck says. “Then also, bulldogging, which is steer wrestling, stuff like that. It's the full gauntlet from one end to the other.”
Saturday night wraps up with a social and live music from Quinton Blair.
Sunday highlights
Sunday begins with another pancake breakfast, followed by a Cowboy Church Service at 9 a.m.
The rodeo continues in the afternoon with the Heartland Rodeo Association taking the reins starting at 2 p.m.
A growing event
Solwyck says the Richer Rodeo continues to grow each year and is now one of the most popular stops for rodeo contestants.
“We try to treat all the contestants very well and also we concentrate on the patrons, and really big on our sponsors, because without everybody altogether, it's one big happy family, and without all those pieces together, we're really nothing, I say this every time.”
He adds that the support is what makes it all possible.
“I can't express how great I feel, all these people following me and getting behind me, whether it's sponsors or volunteers or anything like that, and following our rodeo committee. I want to thank everybody. It's beautiful. It really, really is.”
Last year, more than 12,000 people attended, and with growing crowds each year, organizers have made changes to improve the experience.
“We have actual hard numbers, and it keeps increasing. Then the question was put to me about a month ago, at what point do we close the gates, because it gets pretty full in there. So, we've moved a bunch of stuff around, so we can get stands in there, better views and everything like that, because in the grand scheme of things, everybody needs a place to sit if they wish.”
The rodeo has also stepped up its entertainment value.
“Crossfire Bull Riding is the production team that takes care of it for us. We decided to go Pro Bull Riding two years ago and it's been nothing but a positive ever since. I mean, we were doing well prior to that, but they've just taken it to the next level and their professionalism is top of the mark.”
Stolwyck’s favourite part
While there’s plenty to love about the weekend, Solwyck says his personal highlight is seeing the joy it brings and interacting with people.
“Mostly, just the smiles on people's faces. Like I'll be in the crowd with a mic talking to people, giving stuff away. That's what I'll be doing as well as running the show,” he says. “But for me, it's talking to the people, and seeing what they have to say and just how crazy some of them are.”
Volunteer appreciation
Solwyck gives a heartfelt thank you to the 175 volunteers who help bring the rodeo to life each year.
“I really, really want to emphasize on what a great job that these people do. And the funny thing is, I don't get to shake the hands of a lot of these people because they come in, they do their job, and they go. They don't want any recognition, nothing at all. And I just want to, if they're listening out there, I want to thank every one of them for everything they do, because we're nothing without the them, it’s just that simple.”
Tickets
Tickets are still available online and will also be sold at the gate. For ticket prices and a full weekend schedule, visit the Richer Rodeo website.