A near half-century tradition of rodeo will return to the Battlefords at the end of April. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Tyler Marr

SADDLE UP

The Battlefords readies for rodeo

Apr 20, 2019 | 12:00 PM

A near half-century tradition that ropes in cowboys from across Western Canada is preparing to saddle up in the Battlefords at month’s end.

The 49th Annual Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo will convert the Civic Centre into a Western spectacle from April 26 to 28.

The Canadian Cowboys Association sanctioned event is one of the largest indoor events on the circuit and attracts top-notch talent from neighbouring provinces.

Everything from novice and major bareback, saddle bronc and barrel racing to wild pony corralling will be on display over the three days. The Rodeo Queen competition winner will be announced Sunday afternoon and Friday and Saturday night will feature a social in the upstairs auditorium with a DJ.

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“We try to make this as much as a production as we can to create a good experience for people who come to watch,” longtime committee member Heath Gabruch said.

With upwards of 5,000 people from around the region anticipated to come through the doors, the rodeo is an economic boon for the community each year.

“It is one of the bigger events on the circuit and one of the bigger events in the community every year, and having a tradition like this for 49 years is something to be proud of,” Gabruch said.

Rodeo, he said, has been gaining momentum as a spectator sport in recent years, thanks in part to the rise of the PBR. This has influenced the event to become a much grander showcase than a traditional outdoor rodeo of years’ past.

“There is some renewed enthusiasm for the sport and certainly that is helping maintain the tradition of this rodeo in this community,” he said.

Tickets for the event are available at the door.

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tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr