Get your cowboy hat, boots and flannel button down ready because the Kitchener-Woolwich Rodeo gallops into town Friday (July 10).
The annual Case IH Ultimate Rodeo Tour stop returns to the Calhoun Stables in Breslau with its largest ever lineup of cowboys and girls ready to show their riding and wrangling skills.
“There’s lots of action with over 200 cowboys and cowgirls coming in,” rodeo organizer and host Ross Millar said. “They’re competing in the bucking horses, we’ve got the barrel racing, ladies pole bending, of course we have bull riding, which is, according to the American Writers Association the world’s toughest sport, so it’s always full of excitement.”
The first event of the tour calendar – fourth including Ram Rodeos, also organized by the Millar group – will feature competitors from all across Canada and the United States, with some from as far afield as Australia.
In fact, talented – and fearless – cowboys and girls follow the tour through 18 southern Ontario locations throughout the summer and fall, from Milverton and Orono up to Orangeville and Newmarket, looking to snag a share of some $400,000 in prize money.
“This is the most entries we’ve ever had (in Kitchener-Woolwich),” Millar said. “It’s going to be action packed. To me, it’s a great town to come to because it’s really where the city meets the country and it’s an area that has always embraced the rodeo and people from all walks of life seem to come out.”
Once again this year proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Diabetes Association to help support research, education, service and advocacy.
Events will include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, and break away roping.
Show starts at 7 p.m. – gates open at 5:30 p.m. – July 10 at the Calhoun Stables, 1590 Durant Rd. in Breslau. Tickets cost $28 and can be purchased in advance by contacting 1-800-516-5810 or at www.ultimaterodeotour.com.
