Rocky Pro Rodeo returns for 51st year, June 5-8

The West Country will be celebrating the 51st Rocky Pro Rodeo June 5-8 at North Saskatchewan River Park in Rocky Mountain House.

New this year, one ticket gets you access to all the events for any one given day. In years past, attendees would have to purchase a separate ticket for rodeo events and chuckwagons.

“It’s a full-day ticket,” says Shane Closs, parade chair for the Rocky Rodeo.

Back this year are returning favorites including rodeo slack on Thursday morning, with rodeo events and APCCA chuckwagons throughout the weekend “rain or shine”.

The event is part of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) circuit, and organizers say the action is comparable to many larger rodeos such as the Ponoka Stampede and Calgary Stampede, as many of the same participants and rodeo stock will be part of the events.

Of course, the rodeo parade returns Saturday June 7, which Closs says will follow the same, familiar route around Rocky Mountain House as in years past.

And as always, Closs adds there’s no cost involved for anyone wishing to enter a float in the parade. Marshalling begins at 9 a.m. near the Rocky Rec Centre.

The theme of this year’s event is “Supporting Youth In Agriculture”.

Rodeo Chair Brianna Kantor says there will once again be non-stop entertainment and off-site events for everyone.

“We two have trick riders coming back this year— Keely Sutherland and Bella Da Costa,” says Kantor. “Trick riding is basically gymnastics on the back of a horse. They hang upside down on the horse, they stand up, they lay flat— it’s crazy to watch.”

Cheap Charlie’s will also be a hopping venue again this year, as Kantor says live music is returning.

“On Friday night, we have a new up-and-comer, Cole Martin, we’re really excited to have him,” says Kanton. “On Saturday night, Amber Williams will be joining us as she has multiple years now, we look forward to that as well,” says Kantor.

Additionally, there will be mutton bustin’ on both Saturday and Sunday. Kantor says people can sign their kids up on June 6 at 10 a.m. at the south Tim Hortons in Rocky Mountain House.

Back by popular demand, North Saskatchewan River Park will also feature the return of the Wild West Market, which Kantor says will be bigger and better than ever.

“They have a bunch of new vendors this year, local vendors and food vendors, and they’re really excited to make it bigger and better than last year,” says Kantor.

The weekend will also feature a pancake breakfast hosted by the Rocky Sea Cadets, and a cowboy church service on Sunday morning.

Kantor adds, the decision on this year’s theme of “Celebrating Youth In Agriculture” was very intentional.

“People are calling rodeo a dying sport, and we’re relying on our youth to keep it going,” says Kantor. “We also have such a strong agricultural area around here, so we want to recognize the youth who have been involved with ranching and farming and rodeo.”

Hopefully youth can be inspired to keep events like the rodeo alive in the future, she adds.

Kantor estimates around 3,500 people packed the stands at the North Saskatchewan River Park in 2024.

First started in 1972, the rodeo has been a fixture in the region every year except two years where pandemic restrictions and a venue move shuttered the event.

Admission for the rodeo is $25 for a full day pass, while seniors and students ages 7-12 are $15 and kids under six are free.

Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at Scotiabank in Rocky Mountain House.

Click here for more information.