From July 18–20, the Boyle Rodeo will once again punch above its weight when it comes to the calibre of music and other entertainment it offers.
Kenny Shields and Streetheart has been confirmed as this year’s musical headliner, and Ettinger has also been booked.
“Ettinger was actually the opening band we had last year for both evenings, and everybody was just blown away — they play everything from country to new music to rock and roll,” said rodeo organizer Keith Sereres.
Ettinger is primarily a cover band, but plays some original works as well, Sereres noted.
Ettinger will play at the cabaret on Friday, and on Saturday will open and close for Streetheart, a band that was secured for the rodeo back in November.
“They are the number-one old rock and roll band in Canada right now,” said Sereres.
Rodeo organizers are also in the midst of solidifying a junior rodeo on Friday night. If it goes ahead, the junior rodeo will be a first for the Boyle Rodeo.
“We usually have a three-day rodeo, but (last year), we didn’t have enough contestants,” said Sereres. “So last year, we went to a two-day rodeo.”
Sereres sees the junior rodeo as a chance to ensure the rodeo runs for three days again.
A pancake breakfast and parade will take place as usual on Saturday morning, followed by the grand entry to the rodeo grounds at 1 p.m.
“Of course, this year we’re going to have the petting zoo, the pony carousel,” he said.
Another rodeo organizer, Lucille Chisan, said she is planning on bringing in a “phenomenal show” called The Mustang Show by Claude Chausse. The show begins with Chausse’s black horse acting like a wild mustang; however, the pair performs increasingly impressive stunts over 15 to 20 minutes.
“It’s a remarkable show. You’ll have goosebumps after it,” said Chisan.
She said horse enthusiasts and trainers will be transfixed, and even non-horsey types will enjoy the spectacle.
