Three days of fun are bursting out of the gate.
The 98th annual Falkland Stampede runs from Saturday to Monday and about 7,000 people are expected to attend.
“It’s all about tradition,” said Jason Churchill, manager.
“For a lot of people, their grandparents and parents went to it and now they take their kids to it.”
Upwards of 400 cowboys will compete for more than $50,000 in prizes.
“It’s not the biggest rodeo for prize money but it’s a favourite stop on the circuit,” said Churchill. “It’s the first of the year outdoors in a big arena.”
The rodeo includes saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and steer wrestling.
The rodeo starts at 1 p.m. Saturday and on Sunday, the action begins at 2 p.m., following the stampede parade at 1 p.m.
“There is no other parade that shuts down a major highway (97) for about 20 minutes. It’s pretty cool,” said Churchill.
On Monday, there is a heavy horse pull at 10 a.m. and the rodeo at 1 p.m.
Hog Wild will perform at dances at the Falkland Community Hall Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m.
A key component of the stampede are concession stands and other activities hosted by community groups and the money goes right back into Falkland.
“As far as our skating rink or community hall, there are no taxes collected for them,” said Churchill.
“So this (stampede) helps with all of that for the entire year.”
The town will be decorated with pennants and Canadian flags.
“We are proud to be able to put on a three-day professional rodeo and we contribute our success to a dedicated group of volunteers working together and the support we receive from many sponsors, and most importantly, from the rodeo fans,” said Ozzie Leaf, a long-time volunteer.
Churchill is watching the weather closely, and while there may be some rain, he points out that 60 per cent of the seating is covered.
“It all happens regardless of the weather,” he said.
For more information, go to www.falklandstampede.ca