Stavely Pro Rodeo to start next week

By Rob Vogt
It will be a chance to see some world-class rodeo right in your own backyard.
The 66th edition of the Stavely Pro Rodeo takes over the outdoor arena east of the arena, featuring three performances on Thursday, June 13; Friday, June 14; and Saturday, June 15, all starting at 7 p.m.
There will also be a slack on Wednesday, June 12 at 11 a.m. for timed events. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
Kim Cochlan of the organizing committee invites everyone to come check out the rodeo.
“It’s a good family event,” he said.
The rodeo features all the great rodeo events – ladies’ breakaway roping, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, junior steer riding, and ladies’ barrel racing.
There is also a wild pony race every night.
A total of between 300 and 400 participants is expected.
This rodeo is dual approved by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys’ Association (PCRA). That means the points earned by participants will help them in their bid to qualify for the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton and the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
Stock is provided by Vold Rodeo Stock.
These animals are world calibre, some having appeared in the Canadian Finals and National Finals Rodeos.
There will be a cook-your-own steak supper from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. all three nights, and a beer gardens. There will also be entertainment in the beer gardens after the performance each night.
Bucking Horse Moon will also be providing entertainment Saturday night in the arena.
This year, the crowd will be entertained each night by Piper Yule, a trick rider from the Stettler area, who has been an opening act at the National Finals Rodeo.
Tickets are $25 at the gate, and available in advance on the rodeo website.
According to its website, the Stavely Pro Rodeo has been in existence for more than 60 years. Its multi-generational committee is solely powered by volunteer hours and the passion that each member has to continue the tradition.
The Stavley Pro Rodeo has faced adversity throughout those 60 years – multiple arena fires, snow storms, economic turmoil, drought, and a global pandemic.
Despite these challenges, the rodeo weekend remains a memory-making, heart-filling, exhilarating weekend every year.
World class athletes attend the rodeo and spectators from near and far come to this event.
The rodeo prides itself on hospitality – for its rodeo fans, athletes, and sponsors.
This hospitality originates from small town roots and even with the growth of the event each year, this is still the backbone of the rodeo.
Cochlan said everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy some excellent rodeo at a reasonable price.
“(And) it’s a good social event,” he said.
For more information, or tickets, people can visit www.stavelyprorodeo.com.