The organizers of the Wildrose Rodeo Finals are promising once again to showcase the best rodeo talent in northern Alberta.
Starting on Thursday, for four days, Barrhead will play host to the Wildrose Rodeo Association Finals (WRA).
The WRA began when rodeo legend, Robbie McDonald who was becoming more and more disillusioned with the politics in rodeo, decided to form a new amateur rodeo association.
This new rodeo association was called the North Eastern Alberta Amateur Rodeo Cowboys Association (NEAARCA) and it was based on the best of rodeo tradition. The association began modestly, with 50 members and a small handful of rodeos, the first one being in Hylo, Alta, in 1980.
In 1983, the name was changed to Wild Rose Amateur Rodeo Association (WRARA). In 1985 the name became Wild Rose Rodeo Association, and in 1990 shortened to Wildrose Rodeo Association (WRA).
Today the association boasts more than 600 members and every year hosts an annual rodeo final showcasing the best rodeo athletes the association has to offer.
Randy Schmidt, Barrhead and District Agricultural Society president, said the WRA finals are different than most other rodeo final competitions.
He said the majority of rodeo associations use how much prize money a performer has accumulated to determine who their top performers are.
The WRA uses a point system.
For the WRA finals the athletes who have the top 10-point totals in each of the seven core rodeo events (bull riding, bareback and saddleback riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling and ladies barrel racing) will compete to see who is the best in each of their individual events. The finals will also feature the top six junior point leaders who will compete in the steer riding, bull riding, breakaway roping, and barrel racing events.
Another difference between other rodeos and the WRA finals is every rodeoer will start on the same footing to begin the competition.
“We call it sudden death finals.” Schmidt said. “Everyone starts out at zero. It doesn’t matter if you were the number one cowboy in your event or the 10th. Everyone starts out fresh. I think it just adds to the suspense and the excitement of the rodeo.”
In addition to seeing some of the best rodeo athletes, Schmidt said the crowds can expect to see some of the best athletic performances from livestock.
“You can’t have a great rodeo without having the best animals,” he said. “The cowboys, especially in the rough stock events, vote on the livestock that will be used. Every contractor has their A and B team and at the WRA Finals, people will definitely get to see the best and most competitive animals.”
In addition to seeing the best in adult and junior competition, the organizers have gone to great pains to ensure audiences get the most value for their entertainment dollar.
Besides seeing the best in adult and junior WRA action, every show will include a performance from rodeo’s future stars in the novice horse riding and peewee barrel racing competitions.
Schmidt said one of the most popular events for the rodeo is the Wild Pony race. In this event teams of three youngsters work together in an attempt to tame a wild pony.
“It’s really something to see,” he said. “Basically we put a halter on a miniature pony, open up the chute gate and the team has to hold on to the pony, while their other teammate attempts to jump on its back and ride him.”
The Ag Society is hoping that every show will be sold out.
“The community has always given us tremendous support, but we hope this year they will do so even more,” Schmidt said, adding that this year marks a special anniversary for the WRA and Barrhead.
“It’s the 30th anniversary of the finals coming to Barrhead, so we’re really hope people will come out and support not only the competitors, but the event itself,” he said, adding that Friday, Sept. 18 will be retro night.
“We are asking everyone to dress up in his or her best 1980s apparel,” he said. “An old trophy jacket, or a shirt that is flashy and fun.”
Performances are Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Tickets are $15 per performance for adults or $65 for a five pack. Youth tickets are $10 a performance or $40 for a five pack. All the performances take place at the Barrhead Agrena.
