Bull riding headlines what will be a busy weekend at the ACC for the annual North Battleford Kinsmen Rodeo, kicking off Friday night. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

A Springtime Tradition

51st Kinsmen Rodeo kicks off in North Battleford

Apr 28, 2023 | 2:26 PM

The horses are ready to ride, and the bulls ready to buck… it’s rodeo weekend in North Battleford.

The 51^st Annual North Battleford Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo kicks off Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Access Communications Centre, running Friday to Sunday (Apr. 28-30) in the community.

Longtime committee member and organizer, Heath Gabruch said coming off a milestone celebration of a half-century last year, the event continues to gain steam heading into it’s 51^st year, this weekend.

“Obviously we had really good momentum for our 50^th because that was quite a milestone, but that momentum hasn’t waned at all,” he said with a laugh.

“We’re really happy and very grateful the community is continuing to support us in so many ways; the sponsorship in the community has been great, the volunteers have come out again to help us get the arena together, and we have lots of entries in all the major events, so we’re looking forward to a great event.”

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This year’s rodeo will once again feature a number of cowboys and cowgirls from the local region, as well as those coming out from across Saskatchewan, and neighboring provinces Manitoba and Alberta.

Always one of the biggest events of the spring season in the Battlefords, last year’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration saw more than 6,000 people attend over the three days of the event, that included a capacity crowd on the Saturday night.

Gabruch said they fully expect a similar turnout again this year, with a return of popular newly-added events such as the bullfighting implemented last year, in addition to yearly staples such as bull riding, bucking broncs, barrel racing, roping, and more.

Friday and Sunday will be ‘Kid’s Night/Day,’ while Friday and Saturday night will also have a special social event upstairs following the rodeo action, with music and bar available.

Doors open Friday and Saturday night at 6:30 p.m., with the event to begin at 7:30 p.m. both nights.

Championship Sunday, doors will then open at 12:30 p.m. with the show starting at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door, with adult admission $20, seniors (65+) and students $15, and kids five and under free.

More on the 51^st Kinsmen Rodeo can be found at the event’s Facebook page.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1