Entrees are still open for contestants wanting to compete in the 31st annual Kananaskis Rodeo Association’s Pro Rodeo.
Coleman, Alberta will be one of the first stops along the Canadian Pro Rodeo Associations tour said Joe Trotz, creator of the KRA Rodeo.
Events for the rodeo include saddle bronc, tie down roping, barrel racing, bareback, steer wrestling, team roping and bull riding.
“We are expecting great things this year,” said Trotz
“We have some of the best bucking stock in North America.”
Trotz said that the stock used for the events is provided by Kelser Rodeo, and is stock also used for the Calgary stampede, the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton and the National Finals Rodeo, (NFR) in Nevada.
The KRA rodeo is set to occur April 26th- 28th at the Coleman Sports Complex.
There will also be a dance taking place at the Coleman Legion at 10 p.m., on April 27th and a free pancake breakfast hosted by the Coleman Lions at 9 a.m. at the Sports Complex. A draw will be made during the weekend for a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend the NFR this December.
The rodeo will also feature a junior rodeo on Saturday morning, open to anyone. The beginner rodeo will include events like barrel racing and goat tying. “Experience helps,” Trotz said.
Also featured this year will be Austin Stewart, who will be a clown entertainer at the rodeo events. Austin, 21, will be making the trip to Coleman from Charlotte, North Carolina and has been featured on America’s Got Talent, and worked for years at the Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede.
“There are lots of good things happening that makes this year different from other years,” said Trotz. “We’ve never had a clown before and we’re excited to see how that goes.”
Rodeo performance ticket prices are $15 for adults, $7 for youth 14 and under, as well as seniors. Children five and under have free entry.
“It is probably one of the best rodeos you can go to, for the price you pay and action you get,” said Trotz. “We are very excited.”
The lineup of rodeo contestants will be made public a week prior to the rodeo.
