Brock Radford of De Winton, Alta., competes in last year’s rodeo.

High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo Aug. 1-2

Chris Clegg
South Peace News
Want rodeo? High Prairie has two action-packed days heading your way in less than one week.
The High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo rolls into town Aug. 1-2 with a wide array of events, games, draws and a midway, sure to entertain the entire family.
High Prairie’s 57th version is indeed a world class event, featuring the best cowboys and cowgirls in the world, plus world class stock from Kesler Championship Pro Rodeo Stock.
While you’re enjoying the rodeo, do not forget the massive volunteer hours and community support, and remember to support the businesses who support the rodeo.
An event like the rodeo doesn’t happen by mistake. Rodeo chairman Charlie Milner says in addition to local sponsors, Elks members, and Order of Royal Purple members, hundreds of volunteers work very hard and unselfishly to make the annual bash a big success.
“Although the Elks do the organizing, the rodeo could not take place without the help of hundreds of volunteers, and we thank them very much for all of their time and efforts,” says Milner.
The two-day event kicks off on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 1, with the annual parade in downtown High Prairie at 11 a.m. Please pre-register your entry at the Elks office.
The rodeo is a major event. Several thousand people attend each year, in addition to over 1,000 more at the midway, operated by West Coast Amusements. Their bone-chilling rides, games of chance and tasty treats are sure to please people of all ages. Advance midway tickets are $30 for children three years and over, and $40 at the rodeo.
But the rodeo is where it’s at. Aside from the professional contests of bull riding, barrel racing, team roping and saddle bronc, there are amateur events like mutton bustin’, wild cow milking and the ever-famous calf scramble to break up the afternoons.
Rodeo times are 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 1 and 2:30 p.m. Aug. 2. Admission is $30 for adults, $15 for youth 6-12 years, and free for children six years and under.
There are many other activities occurring. Look for Miss Rodeo High Prairie, Brooke Monteith, performing her duties. She was crowned by acclamation this year.
The grand entry will be performed by the High Prairie Wranglers, a team of precision riders. They practice for months before the rodeo so be sure to give them a big hand.
The beer gardens will be opening in the afternoon, and Roger West will be gracing the stage for an evening of two-stepping dancing Aug. 1-2.
And don’t forget to stay late and enjoy the spectacular fireworks display Aug. 1 at dusk. It’s been dubbed “The Best Fireworks in the Peace Country”.

Brooke Monteith is the 2017 Elks Pro Rodeo Queen. She has many duties to perform during her reign.