Kindersley Rodeo back in stride

By Jordan Parker

After two COVID-19-impacted years, the Kindersley Rodeo is back with force next weekend.

Organizers are excited for the show, readying to light up the West Central Events Centre, and proud of what they’ve pulled together.

“We’re just really excited. I think the community is really happy, as is everyone involved right now,” says Rodeo Committee member Steve MacIntyre.

“The cowboys are excited to be out-and-about, and we’re going to have some fun and enjoy the experience.”

The rodeo’s return carries on a long history in the Town of Kindersley; one MacIntyre is proud of.

“Rodeo has been around for more than 30 years. It’s been a staple since I was a kid. I competed once, and it’s always been my dream to be involved and create a fun time for people in Kindersley,” he said.

“To be a part of organizing this for the community feels great, and we’ve just been trying to make sure this is fun and profitable for the cowboys. We want to make it bigger and bigger as we get back on our feet.”

After two years of consecutive cancellations, MacIntyre says people are ready to embrace the Kindersley Rodeo and see it succeed.

“With the lockdown and restrictions, people want out of the house. It’s going to be amazing to see people smiling and having fun,” he said.

“It will be an opportunity to come together and see folks you haven’t seen in a few years. There are great events, and people can enjoy that western way of life.”

The sponsorship and volunteerism seen for the weekend is unrivalled and shows MacIntyre this is important to people.

“This community is stepping up, and people are helping in any way they can. There was a real push to ensure prize money rewarded cowboys and cowgirls,” he said. “Due to sponsors and volunteers, this can happen. It’s a big undertaking, but it’s going to be a top-notch show.”

MacIntyre talked with a world champion cowboy and realized the event really meant something to people.

“This guy was excited to come to Kindersley and says it’s circled on his calendar. To have people in the business feel that way about our show means something,” he said.

Thursday night will see discounted entry for folks bringing a non-perishable food item, and Friday night is Kid’s Night.

“This is, in the end, a community event. We want to give back, and the food items will go to a local food bank. We also want to see younger talent, which is why kid’s night is great,” he said.

“We want to help people in our community and help those less fortunate. We also want to come together and give opportunities to young people.”

With the Daring Diva Trick Riding Team on hand for three nights and a rodeo clown, there will be something for everyone.

“It’s a chance for them to showcase their skills and get the spectators excited. It is comical listening to a clown act, and what those girls can do is also incredible. I hope people enjoy what’s on display,” he said.

While they wanted higher contestant numbers, MacIntyre is excited about the future of the Kindersley Rodeo.

“We get there will be growing pains as we get back into the swing of things. No one knows what it’s going to be like coming back. But we want to have the best event and production we can, and people will enjoy what we have coming,” he said.

The Kindersley Rodeo takes place at the West Central Events Centre from Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, June 5, 2022. To learn more about the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/kindersley.rodeo.

The Kindersley Rodeo Committee has been hard at work, prepping the West Central Event Centre for this weekend’s rodeo!

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