Rural rodeos you don't want to miss - Drayton Valley and District Free Press

Rodeos have been a big part of the Brazeau and Beyond region since the Buck Lake Stampede first ran in 1929. The rural rodeo experience is not the circus you see in the larger locales. You’re closer to the action and it’s much more intimate. You also don’t have to worry about losing your kids, or waiting in long lineups to go to the bathroom. What you get when you go to a rural rodeo is a ride back in time to what rodeos were all about; a celebration of community and a way of life.

Rodeos in Brazeau and Beyond are organized by a small army of dedicated volunteers and participating community groups and they keep things fun, for everyone. With family friendly prices, parades, pancakes, dirt and dances. What more can you ask for this summer? Here are three events you need to put on your radar over the next few months.

Drayton Valley Pro Rodeo – April 29 – May 1, Drayton Valley Omniplex

The quality of rodeo comes down to two things: the skill of the rider and the quality of the animals. The Drayton Valley Pro Rodeo ranks high on both counts. With an $18,000 pot this event draws professional riders from across Canada and the United States.

This is one of the few indoor rodeos in the area so you don’t need to worry about planning your weekend around the weather. It includes three days of foot stompin’ rodeo action and a Saturday night dance. With no bad seat in the house, hot food and beer gardens, spending a weekend at the Drayton Valley Pro Rodeo should be close to the top of your early season bucket list.

Entwistle Rodeo July

Entwistle Rodeo is a small town event that packs a big punch. There are major events such as saddle bronc riding and ladies barrel racing; junior events like steer riding and a boatload of fun activities that anyone can take part in. This event is what small town charm is all about; local riders, family fun, and hot sun. If you are going to be in the area overnight, pack your bathing suit and floatie, because a lazy float on the Pembina River is very close by.

The Entwistle Rodeo Grounds are located just south of Highway 16 and west of Highway 22. Watch for signs during rodeo weekend.

Buck Lake Stampede July 8-10, Buck Lake, Alberta

If you want to add a little history to your experience, the Buck Lake Stampede is by far the longest standing rodeo in the region with 2022 marking its 91st year. When it first started the Buck Lake Stampede was an event that drew the larger community together with ball games and foot races and although the event is almost a century old, community is still at the heart of everything that’s good about the weekend. Throughout the three-day event not only do you get to experience a real authentic rural rodeo with chariots, chuck wagons, but there is also a parade, steak barbecue, a community dance and a pancake breakfast. The stampede is known as the “Biggest little rodeo in the West” and it certainly lives up to the name.

The Buck Lake stampede grounds sits in the heart of the hamlet of Buck Lake with covered stands, fans can still have some fun rain or shine. Parking is limited and the municipal campground across the road is small, so you may have to source out other options for accommodation if you plan for the whole weekend.

Whether you go to one or all of these events I can guarantee that even if you arrive as a stranger you will leave a friend.

West of the 5th Rodeo August 19 and 20, Buck Lake Stampede Grounds

If you like your rodeos straight up, then this is one event that will catch your eye. The West of the 5th Rodeo organizers are putting together an event that combines a professional level rodeo and a humanitarian fundraiser. Profits from this year’s event will go to “Alberta Stands with Ukraine Society” in effort to help with Canada’s efforts in Ukraine.

This year’s event is sanctioned by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and will bring in some experienced riders looking to qualify for the Canadian Finals Rodeo. The rodeo will include all the major events such as bull riding, saddle bronc, team roping and tie down roping. They are also welcoming up and coming novice riders to participate in the event. Make sure you put this one into your calendar.

Meanwhile in Wildwood

If you are a mad rodeo fan and you just can’t get enough of that dirt slingin’ fun then an additional rodeo that is just outside of the Brazeau and Beyond region is the Wildwood Bronc’ Bustin’ set to run in June. This is a specialty saddle bronc event that pairs champion cowboys versus champion horses.