CCA rodeo best in Swift Current

By Tim Kalinowski

The stars are shining brightly both up in the sky and in the rodeo arena this week as the Canadian Cowboy Association Rodeo Finals take place in Swift Current at the iPlex Oct. 18-21.
Get set for top notch rodeo action as the best of the best in Canada go head to head for the right to be called CCA 2017 rodeo grand champion.
“This is the ultimate event for the Canadian Cowboy Association Rodeo Finals,” explains Lenora Bells, event developer for the Swift Current Ag. & Ex. and the CCA Finals marketing co-ordinator. “There are 56 CCA rodeos that happen all over the country every year. This brings all of that together. These are the top Canadian rodeo stars and the best stock.
“Those coming out are going to see a different level of rodeo action than average. Very high quality. Truly the best of the best.”
This is the second year in a row Swift Current has been chosen to host such a prestigious rodeo event. Bells credits the city’s overwhelming hospitality for the return engagement.
“We have a welcoming spirit here in Swift Current, and we are the show window for everything southwest Saskatchewan has to offer.
“We would welcome everyone and encourage them to come down to check out our western hospitality, and get in there and cheer for these great Canadian rodeo stars. You will have a great time over these four days in Swift Current.
“I also know the competitors themselves are thrilled to come to Swift Current. They see friends they haven’t seen for ages, and at bigger events they don’t always get a chance to see everyone.
“In Swift Current last year they told me they felt like a close-knit community and they felt very comfortable and welcome here.”
Bells says while the professional rodeo events are paid admission, there is a lot of extras offered for those coming out to see at little or no charge.
“In the afternoons there is an opportunity to come to novice and junior rodeo events,” she says. “That’s free admission.
“We also have a wonderful Southwest Showcase Tradeshow people can take in for free. There you can come in and get some souvenirs or Christmas gifts, whatever you like.
“We have our Budweiser Saloon, our daily Peavy Mart Rodeo Uncorked gala for wine lovers, and we have opportunities for meet and greets with the rodeo stars.
“And, of course, we have the big cabaret featuring Sweet Tequila, Alberta’s party band, to cap off the rodeo on Saturday, Oct. 21.”
All these activities and events take place at the same cozy venue at the iPlex, says Bells; so no matter the weather there will be warmth, camaraderie and great rodeo action all around.
“Our local hockey arena is being changed into a rodeo grounds,” explains Bells. “This is an indoor rodeo event, and a great way to celebrate the end of the harvest season.”
For more information on ticket prices for the 2017 CCA Finals Rodeo in Swift Current visit swiftcurrent.ca/cca.