It’s back again for 2026 — the Gimlet Father’s Day Rodeo.

Everyone is invited out for two days of competition and community celebration on June 20 and 21.

Highlights for the event include rodeo slack starting at 2 p.m. Saturday with Central Alberta Rodeo Association (CARA) circuit action Sunday at 12 p.m.

Organizer Dallas Mannix says admission is free for Saturday events, while Sunday’s CARA rodeo will once again have an admission of $5.

Sunday’s CARA action features a full lineup of events including bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, tie-down roping, ranch bronc riding, and a variety of youth and ladies events.

Added events this year include sheep riding, wild pony races, cow milking, and more. Beer gardens will be open both days for adults, while children can enjoy entertainment from Squirrelly Early Anderson.

Popular returning events include the Saturday steak supper at 5 p.m. and horseshoe tournament at 7 p.m.

Mannix says organizers are excited to show off the new-and-improved horseshoe pits, with buckles for the winners.

A cowboy church service will be held Sunday morning at 10 a.m.

It’s a Father’s Day tradition that spans more than 50 years, originally run by longtime organizers Bill and Lorraine Houston before being handed off to a new team four years ago.

“They started a good thing,” said Dallas Mannix, president of the Gimlet Rodeo Board. “It was quite easy to just pick up the reins and carry on. Though it takes six of us now to do what two people used to.”

“We go rain or shine,” said Mannix. “If you have a rain coat and it’s raining — come out anyway.”

The rodeo grounds are located 8 km north of Hwy. 12 on Range Road 4-3.