The O’Chiese Rocky Mountain Rodeo and Indian Relay Races return to North Saskatchewan River Park June 21-23 for a third straight year.

Organizers say a full slate of rodeo events are scheduled for the weekend such as, steer wrestling, bareback, saddle bronc and ladies’ barrel racing with higher payouts of $5000 added for the major rodeo events and $1500 added for novice and junior events.

Dustan Lowry, vice president of the O’Chiese Rocky Mountain Rodeo says a highlight of every year’s event is the Indian Relay Races.

“It’s a team of four people with one rider and two horses on the ground,” says Lowry. “They do a lap around the track, jump off that horse, jump on another horse, do another lap of the track, first team that crosses the line wins.”

Lowry adds, the Indian Relay Races often draw some of the largest crowds of the weekend.

Organizers say there will also be on-site entertainment from Armond Duck Chief Friday night and Mike & The Boys both Friday and Saturday night at the beer gardens.

Lowry says last year’s attendance was fairly solid, but not a sell out. He hopes as many people as possible can be in attendance this year to witness the action.

Admission for adults is $10 for the rodeo and $10 for the Indian Relay Races.

Admission for children five and under and those 60 and older is free.

Entrance sign at North Saskatchewan River Park (94.5 Rewind Radio/Jordan Rein)

In concert with National Indigenous Peoples Day, organizers say the rodeo has teamed up with the Asokewin Friendship Centre and the Rocky Mountain House National Historic site to present a fireworks display at 11 p.m on Friday June 21.

“It’s a show that you won’t want to miss, it’s going to be a huge show,” says Domenic Hill, organizer with Asokewin Friendship Centre.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a campaign to celebrate Indigenous people in all their tradition and culture, says Hill, as well as to bring awareness to society as part of Truth & Reconciliation.

Hill says the display will be visible just north of the rodeo grounds, with some road closures in the area around the time of the fireworks. Admission to view the display is free.