The first sanctioned Canadian Rockies International Rodeo (CRIR) was held modestly in 1994, marking this year’s festivities as the 22^nd annual rodeo. Travellers from all over the globe now flock to join in the fun, and the Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA) has become one of the largest gay rodeo associations in the world. This rodeo has it’s own signature flavour, but certainly expect to see the classic hay bales, horses, country music and the ambience of country living.

CRIR is a three-day event running from Friday June 26th to Sunday June 28th. The days are long and packed full of events, starting bright and early and ending just hours before the sun rises again. This is the perfect way to spend the first official weekend of the summer. Rain or shine, festivities will go on. Give your boots a few clicks and wish for warm weather. CRIR grounds are controlled by security and ticket marshals, ensuring the grounds are safe for all patrons at all times.

Shane Culleton spoke to GayCalgary on behalf of ARGRA, sharing that the association is "excited to add evening concerts to our 22nd annual rodeo." The amazing line up includes: Tim Hicks, Leann Rimes, George Canyon, Village People, Aaron Pritchett, Emerson Drive, Tebey, Kira Isabella, King and Cash, Carly's Angels, and Ty Herndon.

In addition to big names, ARGRA is equally amped to showcase some home grown talent. "We also have 16 local musicians during our daytime festival. Everyone can expect a lot of great music, great food, and great beverages from our sponsors."

This year’s rodeo events have higher stakes than ever before. "We Added $25,000 in contestant prize money," Culleton says. Contestants and fans alike can expect to see pole bending, team roping, steer riding, breakaway calf roping and much more. This is an authentic rodeo with a twist; both male and females are competitors and classic rodeo games have been revamped with a signature queer twist. LGBTQT crowd favourites – barrel racing, goat dressing and steer decorating – are just some of the events that all spectators can look forward to.

"Our rodeo is unique; by allowing everyone to participate in all our rodeo events. We do not discriminate."

This celebration is a rare gem in Alberta. Where else can women feel free to participate in all rodeo events? Where else can music-goers, rodeo fans and campers leave all restrictions at the door—to simply enter the grounds and feel the freedom to be their true selves? It is a breath of fresh air, both figuratively and literally. An event all Albertans, and LGBTQT members, on a global scale can look forward to.