The Saskatchewan High School Rodeo will head to Prince Albert at the end of August. (Submitted photo/Larry Henry)

By Jeff D'Andrea

Back on the Dirt

Rodeo returns to Red River Roping and Riding this weekend

Sep 2, 2020 | 4:01 PM

Rodeo returns to the Red River Roping and Riding Arena (RRRR) this weekend.

The province’s best will gather in Prince Albert for the Lakeland Ford High School Rodeo on Saturday and Sunday for a little piece of normal in these nothing-but-normal times.

“It will be great to have the rodeo back on Saturday and Sunday. We’re expecting somewhere in the neighbourhood of 120 competitors and everyone’s excited. My phone’s ringing off the hook, phone calls, texts, emails. People are going to start pulling in tomorrow (Thursday) actually,” RRRR director Larry Henry said.

Despite there being 120 competitors in total throughout the weekend, and up to 150 spectators around the grounds, Henry said that all COVID-19 protocols will be in place. Social distancing will be enforced, and sanitizing stations will be in place for people that need it and for equipment. Masks will not be required, as long as everybody can socially distance in the big, outdoor setting.

But despite the pandemic, athletes have been able to attend previous throughout the season. Since mid-June, various events have been available for athletes to attend. With being able to hone their skills in competitive environments throughout the summer, Henry believes spectators will be in for a treat throughout the weekend.

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“It will be top-notch. Everybody’s been practicing and attending (events). Since June 16^th, we could start having smaller jackpot rodeos and barrel racing, and roping through various roping events,” Henry said.
“So you’ll see some very, very good talent. A lot of local people last year that were amazed with the talent level not only of our youth that is participating but the horses and the animals too. It’s really good to see.”

All the events that you can normally expect from a rodeo will be run.

“Everything that we normally have for our high school rodeos, all those events will take place from goat tying to barrel racing for the girls, and the bull riding and bronc riding for the boys—breakaway roping, tie-down roping, ribbon roping, it will all be happening. It will be a busy two days and we’re all looking so forward to it.”

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW