Years ago the Sundre Rodeo and Race Association was established by a group of dedicated volunteers to promote professional rodeo in Sundre.  In 2012 the Sundre Pro Rodeo will be celebrating its 33^rd Anniversary of professional rodeo in our community.  During the last 33 years the Sundre Rodeo committee has had tremendous growth and success. 

As in the past, our mission is to promote and produce a rodeo for this community and rodeo fans with the utmost professionalism and safety for the people and animals involved.  As a committee we work to continually improve all areas of the rodeo production. In addition we have continued to improve the facilities to enhance the overall rodeo experience. 

The rodeo is a shining example of local community pride and Alberta spirit, providing an opportunity for everyone to gather as a community, in addition to the exciting rodeo events there are also a number of other events to enjoy throughout the rodeo weekend and the opportunity to visit with family and friends.

This year the Sundre Professional Rodeo hosts four performances held over a three day weekend commencing on Friday, June 22^nd and concluding on Sunday June 24^th.  The weekend starts with the overflow performance or “slack” taking place at 9:00 am Friday. Admission to the slack performance is free.  The first rodeo performance takes place on Friday evening and begins at 6:30 p.m. with the pre-rodeo performance, immediately followed at 7:00 p.m. with the professional rodeo action.  Just prior to Friday’s evening performance is the ever popular BS Bingo which will start at 6:00 p.m.  Friday is also Family Day. 

Saturday is “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” in support and awareness of Cancer.  Our local Sobey’s hosts the Saturday morning pancake breakfast before the Chamber of Commerce Sundre Parade.  Following Saturday morning’s pancake breakfast and parade (this year’s theme being Women of the West) the pre-rodeo entertainment begins at 12:30 p.m. with professional rodeo action commencing at 1:00 p.m.  Saturday evening’s professional rodeo performance starts at 7:00 p.m.  Following Saturday’s two rodeo performances, kick up your heels at the Cowboy Cabaret at the Sundre Arena.   

Sunday afternoon’s finals start with the pre-rodeo at 12:30 p.m. and professional rodeo at 1:00 p.m.  Gist Buckle presentations for all champions will be presented throughout the final performance. 

There will be a beer garden at the rodeo grounds along with free parking and RV camping.  Come and camp with the cowgirls and cowboys of pro rodeo.

The drill team, our own Go Wild! Go West! Riders, will be performing during the rodeo action.  Thanks in advance to the committee rep and these ladies for all their hard work preparing for their rodeo performances.  A special thanks to Bronwen Bowhay, Miss Rodeo Sundre and Chelsea Mather, Sundre Rodeo Princess for representing the Sundre Pro Rodeo over the past year.  The crowning of this year’s Sundre royalty will take place on Friday evening during the rodeo performance.  Thanks to Jo Lawes for continuing to work with this committee and exhibiting the professionalism our Sundre royalty competitors have become well known for.  Sundre’s very own Arleta Bowhay, Canada’s current Miss Rodeo Canada will be attending this year’s rodeo.  We are exceptionally proud to have Arleta in attendance, representing rodeo in Canada. 

The major stock contractors, providing some of North America’s world class animal athletes are Franklin Rodeo Company Ltd. and Outlaw Buckers Corporation.  Pengelly provides the stock for our novice bareback and bronc riders.  Raymond Havens and Chute 9 provide the timed event stock.  Local cattlemen are also involved with Bruce Burrell providing the cow milking stock.   

Professional rodeo announcer, Joe Braniff, will be returning to calling the all the action and keeping you informed throughout the performances.  

The rodeo attracts a number of people to the Sundre area and presents an opportunity for local businesses to benefit from the economic spin off during this week. Increasing visitors return each year to experience top notch rodeo up close and personal as well as experience a chance to meet professional cowboys and cowgirls.  Twenty-one current and ex world champions competed at the Sundre Pro Rodeo last year.   

Thank you to all rodeo committee members who volunteer countless hours to make this weekend possible.  Your hard work, dedication and volunteer efforts are essential to our success.

We all know the working parts of a great rodeo, contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, the committee and volunteers, but the most crucial component is you, the rodeo fan.  Thank you to all the fans who continue to support the Sundre Pro Rodeo.

Your President,

Scott Smith
Sundre Rodeo and Race Association