Every year in June the buzz begins to build. People start dusting off their cowboy hats and boots and trying to fit into a pair of jeans in preparation for a wild weekend of "cute cowgirls, warm and sunny weather, tight wranglers and shirtless men." This description could describe any number of summer activities around Calgary, but in this case it refers to the annual Canadian Rockies International Rodeo (CRIR) at Symon’s Valley Ranch from July second to fourth. Throughout the year ARGRA hosts their very popular dance events, but the Rodeo, now in its 11th year, is the pinnacle of the year. Organizers have been hard at work since September to make this year’s one of the most spectacular in its history.

"The Rodeo weekend starts on Friday with a Cabaret presented by ARGRA and Stuart Aikins Casting, featuring country music rising star Aaron Pritchett. Also performing Friday night will be Denver, Colorado’s very own, NuClia Waste – the Princess Plutonium herself! These acts are both sure to get the barn rocking! As alcohol is served at the dances, we can only allow those of you over 18 years in. To wake up any tired cowhands in the morning, ARGRA also hosts a fantastic pancake breakfast each morning of the Rodeo weekend." ARGRA’s official press release stated. "The Rodeo Grand Entry and the Opening Ceremonies occurs at noon on Saturday. The Canadian flag flies high during the Opening Ceremonies along with the flag of our neighbours from the south. After the rodeo events in the afternoon, a fantastic western roast beef dinner is held for sellout crowds and is followed by one of the largest dances held in Calgary over the year: the PRIAPE Round-Up Dance. Sunday finds more rodeo taking place followed by the Awards Ceremony and Money-Pennies Happy Trails Dance starting at 8:00 PM."

The list of events for eager spectators and participants runs the gambit of Rodeo related contests. Both women and men participate in events like Bull Riding, Bareback Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Breakaway Calf Roping, Calf Roping on Foot, Chute Dogging, Flag Racing, Pole Bending, Team Roping, and Wild Steer Riding. The website makes it clear that all animals are treated ethically. The International Gay Rodeo Association’s Animal Welfare Statement says "The International Gay Rodeo Association hereby endorses and adopts the promotion of animal welfare and the humane, responsible treatment of animals in their housing, feeding, training, exercising and competition. We shall strive to assure that our events are purposefully tailored and executed to provide animal and human participants the safest environment possible and shall act to immediately disqualify or reprimand any contestant, official or contracted personnel found to be treating animals in a inhumane manner."

In addition to traditional rodeo events, this year will also feature the popular "camp" events such as Goat Dressing, Steer Decorating, and the Wild Drag Race, featuring a person in drag on a steer!

The rodeo involves a number of community businesses. Money Pennies Eatery and Bar, and the Calgary Eagle, and Metro Boyztown / Rekroom have all established "teams" of rodeo competitors. Vancouver’s Pumpjacks is also rumored to be at the CRIR with a team of their own this year. If you don’t feel like going out to the Ranch, there are also a number of activities to keep "in touch" with the rodeo. July 1st features a Prairie fire warm-up at Money-Pennies at 5pm, a Wet Jockey contest at Calgary Eagle at 9pm, and if that doesn’t satisfy your lust for cute behinds, head to Boyztown at Midnight for the Wrangler Hot Buns contest.

The weekend allows the more than 3,000 attendees to visit the extensive marketplace on their way into the rodeo itself. Vendors and community groups will provide a variety of unique gifts for your shopping pleasure.

There are a number of ways you can enjoy the Rodeo. ARGRA is always looking for volunteers, and organizers interested in volunteering to contact them as soon as possible at volunteers@argra.org, or by calling the ARGRA Hotline at 403-541-8140.

Symon’s Valley offers campsites with showers and laundry facilities, which is a very popular way to have a great time at the rodeo. Reservations can be made by calling Symon’s Valley Ranch (403-274-4574.) If that sounds a little to rough for your tastes, Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire is offering a reduced rate when you mention ARGRA or IGRA. (403-266-7200)

Tickets for the Rodeo are currently available. Tickets can be purchased with VISA or MasterCard by calling the ARGRA Ticket Hotline at 403-938-7329. More information can be found on the ARGRA website at www.argra.org.

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association | Canadian Rockies International Rodeo |

Photo Gallery Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association | Canadian Rockies International Rodeo |