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By: Darcie Thom

It’s that time of year again to take out the boots, dust off the ol’ cowboy hat and mosey on over to the Kennedy Rodeo. A full spread of talent will be showcasing the truest rodeo experience that one could ever endure from July 19th to July 20th.

This annual event will provide an interesting experience for young and old alike, just as it has for the past 76 years. Performers and contestants will be competing for various rodeo events including Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Tie-Down Roping (Calf Roping), Mutton Bustin’ and so much more.

The Kennedy Pro Rodeo displays the talents of performers in a variety of events and experience levels for each category in the rodeo environment. A large group of professional competitors from the Calgary Stampede will perform during the two-day event along with some of the local talent.

There are hopes that the Junior Bareback will showcase more of the local talent, which will give the crowd a more enthused approach to the whole rodeo experience. Unfortunately, there may not be a Demo Derby or parade this year due to insufficient entries.

However, there will be a lot of excitement and nail-biting when Laura Lausen, of Wawota, performs with her horse in the Trick Riding event. There is also a great possibility that Jarid Berglund, a local performer, will be displaying the art of Tie-Down Roping.

This family oriented event will have plenty of entertainment for every individual in your family. If the rodeo isn’t enough to make you hop to your feet and join in on the weekend long tournament, think about the drinks and cabaret that could be enjoyed on Saturday evening, July 19th, at the Kennedy Rink. Beer gardens will be open on both days with music Sunday night.

Throughout the weekend, there will be a extensive amount of entertainment for the children in the kids area, with the artistic face painters, balloons and clown acts, to name a few. Coppertown Clown, from California, will be there for the extent of the rodeo weekend, providing entertainment for the children and will provide the entertainment during the intermissions.

On July 20th, there will be a pancake breakfast along with the opportunity to purchase and enjoy a KFC meal later in the day for the final event day of the Kennedy rodeo.

Plans are still in progress for the Kennedy Rodeo, events and for the event participants. Come on out that weekend and let loose for the annual, and local, rodeo event of 2008.