2018 CCA Event Finals Rodeo all set to burst from chute in Swift Current

By Tim Kalinowski

The Canadian Cowboys Association Finals Rodeo returns to Swift Current on Oct. 17-20 for some great action, family fun and a down-home hospitality.

“We’re so excited to be hosting, and we feel this is an incredible event!” says CCA Finals Rodeo marketing chair Nicole Spenst. “Lots of times you have to drive to bigger centres to see this kind of event, and this is a great chance to see it right here in our own backyard in southwest Saskatchewan. We really encourage everyone to come out and take part in it, and maybe see some old neighbours they haven’t seen in awhile.”

This year’s focus for the CCA Finals Rodeo, besides the phenomenal rodeo action, is on cultivating a new generation of rodeo fans, says Spenst.

“There are five performances of the best cowboys in the Canadian Cowboys Association,” she says. “It’s the best of the best you will see all year long on the CCA circuit.

“And we also have a Novice and Junior Rodeo on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoon,” she adds. “The highlight there being Rodeo 101. Rodeo 101 starts at 12:30 p.m., and gives those who have never been to a rodeo before a free event which talks about the history of rodeo, how the riggings work with bronc-riders, and all those types of things. It is really a way to get your foot in the door and see what rodeo is all about.”

The kick-off luncheon at the Swift Current Museum on Oct. 17 at noon also echoes this outreach and engagement theme.

“We are having a lunch and learn event at the Swift Current Museum,” states Spenst. “So you can purchase a lunch at the museum or bring your own lunch. It’s on the Wednesday (Oct. 17), and it will feature a documentary showcase of the film “Ride,” which talks about the history of rodeo. The creator of the documentary will be there to answer questions.”

But for those looking for more active forms of engagement, there is the nightly Budweiser Saloon, says Spenst, and the final cabaret send-off on Saturday featuring Hanna, Alberta’s own Garrett Gregory.

“We are so thrilled to be hosting the CCA Event Finals Rodeo on Oct. 17-20 as the Innovation Credit Union iPlex here in Swift Current,” says Spenst. “This is our third year of a five year agreement with the Canadian Cowboys Association, and we are ecstatic with the show that is being put together, and the entertainment those five days are going to provide.

“It’s an incredible event for our community, and we are so fortunate to have an amazing group of volunteers, partners and sponsors to help make this event a success.”

Special Family Pack ticket options, available for the first time this year, are on sale now, and represent this year’s best value for dollar, says Spenst. Family Packs are $80, with two adult and two under 12 tickets included for that price. Additional children under 12 would be an extra $10 each if required.

The Family Pack gets you into the Thursday and Friday evening rodeo events, and the Saturday afternoon event. All other ticket options are available for viewing at www.swiftcurrent.ca/cca or by calling 306-778-2787.