Grab onto your cowboy hats because the Jasper Heritage Rodeo is just over two weeks away.
From Aug. 16-19 dozens of cowboys are expected to descend on Jasper to take part in the 92nd annual rodeo.
The four-day event will be similar to previous years with seven professional events each night from bare back riding to bull riding.
The nightly events begin at 6 p.m. at the rodeo grounds with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. There will be a food truck and a beer tent on site.
Beyond the rodeo grounds there will also be several activities taking place in the community, including the stick pony parade on Aug 16, a BBQ on the information centre lawn on Aug. 17 and 18, a pancake breakfast at the fire hall on Aug 19 followed by the ATCO Lil Britches Rodeo at the rodeo grounds. For more details see the fact box.
This year the rodeo association has decided not to host the annual dance.
In March the rodeo received $43,000 from the provincial government, which it used to pay off some outstanding bills and add a few extra events, including two trick riders.
“That money paid off our bleachers,” said Helen Switzer, chair of the rodeo association. “When we had to move outdoors we had a lot of changes to make.”
She said they are always looking for volunteers and encouraged anyone interested to email her at [email protected].
“We are always in need of volunteers. Before the rodeo we have different things we need to do to get the grounds ready and also during the rodeo we need lots of volunteers for parking, for security all sorts of different things.”
Daily tickets for the rodeo can be bought at the Athabasca Hotel between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. as well as at the rodeo grounds after 4 p.m.
Tickets cost $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $11 for children 6-14 and children five and under are free.
There is limited parking and daily shuttle service to and from town.
For more information visit www.jasperheritage rodeo.com.
Paul Clarke
[email protected]
