Rodeo show was in South Mountain last month.
METCALFE — Who loves a good rodeo more, the competitors or the spectators? Both are eager to attend the few shows taking place this season. Black Creek Rodeo Company is holding its third Kubota Gold Buckle Series Pro Rodeo this year. This time it will be held at the Metcalfe fairgrounds on the weekend of Sept. 24-25.
Steve Fisher, co-owner of the family-run rodeo business, says this year, public health restrictions have allowed for in-person seated spectators. Outdoor event capacity is limited to 75 per cent, so Fisher says they’re expecting about 1,500 people. Last year’s rodeo had to be a stay-in-your-vehicle event. Restrictions permitted 100 cars per day to attend, and they sold out. The pandemic can’t stop cowboy culture.
Although the show breakdown has yet to be released, once entries are completed, likely events include steer wrestling, breakaway roping, team roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, junior barrel racing, tie-down roping, and bull riding.
Spectator tickets are all being sold online this year. They can be bought on Eventbrite or at Campbell’s Metcalfe Variety store. Tickets are $25 each. Children three and under are free.
Seating on bleachers will be marked out to comply with social distancing measures. Families in the same household may sit together. All attendees must be pre-registered. No tickets will be sold at the event.
“It’s a lot of extra planning. It’s a lot of extra work for sure,” said Fisher. “People have nothing to do. It’s just nice to get something going. A lot of people are looking forward to it.”
Black Creek’s last rodeo was in South Mountain on Aug. 21 to 22. Fisher says it was a hit, with lots of community support and a great turnout. They’ll be holding one in Petawawa on the long weekend of Oct. 2-3. There is also a possibility of a rodeo this year in Spencerville.
