Saddle Bronc rider Ben Andersen from Eckville, Alta. rides Miscrent during the final day of action of the 2024 Broncs & Honky Tonks Indoor Spring Rodeo on the Stampede Grounds in this file photo. Rodeo action kicks off again Friday night as the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede welcomes more than 300 contestants and livestock to compete in the annual spring competition, which runs until Sunday.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
On Friday night the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede annual Broncs & Honky Tonks Indoor Spring Rodeo kicks off as one of the first approved rodeos in Canada.
More than 300 cowboys, cowgirls and quality Kessler Championship livestock are set to compete in Canadian Professional Rodeo Association events that will feature saddle bronc, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, tie-down roping, junior steer riding and bull riding.
Among cowboys competing in this weekend’s rodeo is four-time world champion and four-time Canadian champion saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston from Big Valley.
“We’re looking for big things,” said president Ron Edwards on the arrival of the 30-year-old bronc champ. “And there’s some other really good contestants that have drawn up here that do compete in the U.S. and here in Canada.”
Although the rodeo season has been in full swing since January south of the border, the Hat’s indoor rodeo is one of the first professional events of the season in the country.
“I think there’s one before us, but we’re one of the bigger pro rodeos starting up in Canada,” adds Edwards.
Crews have been working since Monday hauling dirt in preparation for the weekend action.
“We’ve been doing this for over 20 years in the field house. The soccer field comes out and the dirt goes in. On top of the dirt the steel goes, the buck shoots go and the seating is all there and put in place.” explains Edwards, who says the dirt is required to be at least 12 inches deep for competition.
The soft layer of dirt also makes for a great place to dance. Following Friday and Saturday’s rodeo action, guests are invited to “boot, scoot and boogie” during the Down in the Dirt Dance that is free with the price of admission.
This 18-plus event allows fans to enter the rodeo arena, with space for table seating, and of course, dancing in the dirt to music by DJ Kim Bohnet.
Tickets for general seating are sold out for Saturday night, however there are still tickets available for Friday and Sunday and can be purchased online at tickets.mhstampede.com, at the Stampede office, or by calling 403-527-1234.
