ARNPRIOR — In its first year, the Arnprior Stampede was a snorting, stomping success, bringing in over 6,000 people during the three-day event in 2015. About 500 people had to be turned away, as there was no more room on the bleachers.
But back-to-back years of poor attendance and bad weather sealed the fate of the fast-paced event that featured bull riding and calf roping.
The organizer, local resident Brad Runtz, told Farmers Forum that the three-year contract for the rodeo had expired, and would not be renewed.
Last year saw 1,500 people on first day but a mere 300 on the second. Stormy and cool weather put a damper on the festivities for the second year running, Runtz said.
Here are the Eastern Ontario and Central Ontario rodeos this year:
June 23: Perth Extreme Rodeo
July 21: Lindsay Extreme Rodeo
Aug. 4-5: Tweed Ram Rodeo
Aug. 10: Peterborough Ram Rodeo
Aug. 24-25: Roseneath Pro Rodeo
Sept. 3: Port Perry Pro Rodeo
