CARROT RIVER — After a strong debut last year, the Saskatchewan's Outback KCRA Rodeo returns to provide a family friendly experience.
“We won rodeo of the year last year, so we got to be just as good this year or better,” said Jackie James, the rodeo’s president.
The event is being held at the Carrot River Valley Sports Grounds just outside of Carrot River on Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18.
Competitions include barrel racing, calf roping, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer riding, bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, wild ponies and mini broncs. Rodeo clown Tyson Wagner returns to entertain between rides.
For the adults, a new beer garden and cabaret grounds have been built. The cabaret is on Saturday at 8 p.m. and features Final Warning.
Saturday will also feature an artisan and craftsman’s trade show and sale from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday will have free activities for families. The newest addition is a petting zoo, but there will also be face painting, a bouncy castle and a climbing wall.
The Saskatchewan Outback Drill team will also perform.
There will also be a shuttle service to transport people back and forth from the parking lot.
Camping is also available for both competitions and spectators.
“It's just a great weekend,” James said. “You can take in so many things at once.”
The day before the rodeo, Friday, Aug. 16, at the Carrot River Town Square, there’s Flavours of the Outback starting at 5 p.m., followed by Cruise Night, where people show off their vehicles.
TLR Bucking Stock out of Manitoba is contracted to manage the stock this year. At last year’s rodeo, there were around 300 competitors.
James said the rodeo is prepared for more visitors this year.
“Last year, we had three times as many people as expected, so we're a little more prepared this year for the amount of people.”
The rodeo is being held at the Carrot River Valley Sports Grounds and starts at 9 a.m. on both Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18.
