Organizers excited for return of Rio Grande Rodeo July 1-4

Jun 26, 2021 | 7:00 AM

Organizers of the Rio Grande Rodeo are eager to see live action and full crowds return on Canada Day, as the century-old annual event kicks off on July 1.

The 104^th edition of the event will run from July 1-4, and President of the Rio Grande Rodeo Board of Director Shane Leman says after the last 16 months, they are excited to bring the community together at the grounds.

“We are really excited,” Leman said.

“We were kind of hesitant on whether we were actually going to be able to go again this year, and then when Premier Kenney made his announcement that we were going to start opening up (on July 1), we really kind of kicked into gear to organize and put on a good show.”

What makes this year’s event even more special to Leman and the board is the fact that in 2020, the event was cancelled for the first time ever since the annual rodeo began in 1916.

“It was a real struggle for us to actually make a motion, and come forward last year and outright cancel,” said Leman. “We were always hoping we could put something on in the fall, and it just never materialized.”

The four-day event will include regular rodeo performances, including the Little Britiches Rodeo on the Sunday at 11 a.m.

Chuckwagons will also be racing nightly at 6:30 p.m. from July 1-4.

There will also be a beer gardens and live music nightly.

Leman gives credit to everyone who stepped up quickly to help organize the rodeo in time for Canada Day.

“Volunteers, sponsors and the board of directors… we can’t really do anything without them.”

More information on the Rio Grande Rodeo can be found on its website.

by Shaun Penner