Pull your Wranglers out and get ready for Vancouver Island’s only professional rodeo.
Each year the Luxton Fairgrounds turn into the hub of entertainment on the West Shore with rodeo, midway rides, games and fair food.
The rodeo includes steer wrestling, bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback bronc, barrel racing and tie down and team roping events.
“It’s one of the favourite stops for all the cowboys,” said Kynan Vine, director of rodeo administration for Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. “It’s so beautiful there.”
Over the May long weekend, 280 cowboys and cowgirls will compete at the fairgrounds. Top competitors in each event will earn about $2,400.
“It’s a small rodeo, but it’s still a pretty good payday,” Vines said.
Young aspiring cowboys and cowgirls can sign up for the Mutton Bustin’ and boot scramble events.
“Mutton Bustin’ is for local kids from three to five who ride sheep and their parents usually run along with them. We do this hoping one day the kids will get into rodeo, and it’s fun to watch,” Vines said.
Back this year after a two-year hiatus is Dennis Halstread, rodeo clown and barrel man.
“He’s really good and the crowd loves him,” said Sandy West, co-manager of the Luxton Pro Rodeo.
West has managed the event for 31 years alongside her husband Charlie Price. They organize the 130 volunteers it takes to make the event happen each year.
Rodeo events start daily at 2 p.m. and tickets are available at the gate. Adults are $20 and children 14 and under are free with an adult. Seniors and students are $15.
The Montgomery County Band plays the Luxton Hall on Saturday, May 18. Advanced tickets sales only at Willow Wind & Tack, 2714 Sooke Rd.
Admission to the grounds, at the corner of Sooke and Luxton roads, is free and includes access to the vendors, antique farm equipment, blacksmith and heritage displays.
West Coast Amusements midway opens Friday night for a sneak preview starting at 3 p.m. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday the midway opens at 1 p.m.