The Saskatchewan High School Rodeo Association will be coming to Prince Albert for the first time later this summer.
The Red River Roping and Riding Arena will play host to the two-day event, which will be held on Friday, Aug. 31 and Saturday, Sept. 1.
“We’re really excited about the chance to showcase our facility, as we feel the RRRR Arena is a well kept secret and we want to publicize it more,” RRRR Arena barn director and event chair Larry Henry said. “Our goal is to keep growing and to put up a second facility, which is a goal that were planning to reach for 2022 and our 50th anniversary.
“There are going to be over 140 youth from Grades 6-12 that will be here for the event, and that includes kids from border towns in Alberta and Manitoba. It’s pretty amazing to see when all of the competitors come through.”
The SHSRA is a non-profit association that maintains a province wide membership.
The members don’t compete for money as they instead earn points for the chance to compete at other events and earn educational scholarships.
“I believe there’s six students that are graduating high school this year and have received full ride scholarships for their post-secondary opportunities, which really says a lot,” Henry said.
“That event will actually be part of the first half of the 2019-20 season. They will then compete again next April and that runs into the first weekend of June, which then leads to the chance to go to the nationals.”
A total of 13 junior and 12 senior events will be held during the two-day event, which includes bull riding, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping and steer wrestling.
Both days of the competition are slated to get underway at 9 a.m., with tickets costing $5 for adults for each day and admission being free for all students.
“We’ve already had a few sponsors like Lakeland Ford, Pines Power Sports and RJ Dewhurst Ent. come onboard, which is great, but we’re still looking for sponsors to help us out,” Henry said.
Those who are looking to help out with the event or are looking for more information can reach Henry at 306-940-6942 or via email at rrroping@sasktel.net.
