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Roughstock rodeo rides into town Friday

Rodeo lovers will want to hoof it to the Stettler Agriplex this Friday, April 4, as the Stettler District Agricultural Society
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Stettler Agriplex was busy over the last weekend with a cattle-penning event and more excitement is coming this weekend with the season’s first roughstock rodeo.

Rodeo lovers will want to hoof it to the Stettler Agriplex this Friday, April 4, as the Stettler District Agricultural Society hosts its 11th annual Roughstock Rodeo.

There’ll be about 10 competitors in each of the three events offered at the rodeo – saddle bronc, bull riding and bareback riding – organizer Stan Pennington explained.

Following the rodeo, which will last about two-and-a-half hours, there’ll be a cabaret and dancing.

A concession will offer food and drinks throughout the evening.

“I’ve been rodeo’ing all my life,” Pennington said. “My dad rodeo’d, and my son rodeos.”

He encouraged established fans to make their way out, but said that the evening would be exciting for the uninitiated, too.

“Why come out? For the excitement of watching these professionals compete,” he said. “There’s an element of danger, which people seem to like.”

Tickets are $15 for the rodeo and cabaret, or just $10 for the cabaret.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo begins at 7 p.m., and will run about two-and-a-half hours, Pennington said.

After that, the DJ will host the cabaret and dance.

This year, stock for the events are being supplied by Big Country Rodeo in Big Valley. Judges have been selected from a pool of past rodeo heroes in the area – Guy Shapka from Alix and Darell Cholach from Botha, both previous rodeo champions.

While several locals are competing, several former competitors in the Canadian Finals Rodeo will be mounting up this Friday to compete, Pennington said, ensuring a top-notch show.

Pennington noted the rodeo should be fun for everyone, from big fans to the casual, due to the hard work of all members of the Agricultural Society.

The volunteers handle setting up the Agriplex for the show, breaking down existing pen systems and moving in bleachers.

“It should be a great time,” he said.