Get out the cowboy hats, boots, belt buckles and Wrangler jeans as one of the most anticipated annual events in the Battlefords is set to take place at the Civic Centre this weekend.
The 42nd annual Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo, which has been a great reason for the Battlefords to go western for a week, is set to start Friday. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
The Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo is one of 60 Canadian Cowboy Association-sanctioned rodeos and this year's event will feature many of the sport's best in the country and an abundance of local cowboys and cowgirls.
"The field of talent is truly exceptional, with returning champions and a host of outstanding local competitors set to compete," said Mark Bencze, Canadian Cowboy Association president.
Rising stars of the CCA who will be in North Battleford include 2011 novice bareback champion Danton Bertsch and 2011 novice saddle bronc champion Keith Lipsett, as they both moved up to compete with the veterans of their sport.
Also set to compete are Riley Warren, CCA 2011 tie down roping champion and Dustin Walker, the CCA 2011 steer wrestling and high point champion in steer wrestling and team roping. Kory Ginnis is currently leading the bull riding field and is one of the many riders who will surely be a high pick in the Kinsmen calcutta Thursday evening. Two-time CCA ladies' barrel racing champion in 2010 and '11, Dannielle Dinius, is also hoping for a title hat-trick this year and will be in the Battlefords.
"Our competitors represent the finest talent in semi-professional rodeo today," Bencze said. "The season may have just started but making every performance count is on everyone's mind."
As for the locals, the likes of JC Curley in bull riding, Quillow Nighttraveller in saddle bronc, Colter Bannow in bareback, Jared Sparrow in tie down roping, KJ Bird in steer wrestling, Karen Warren in barrel racing and Ty and Mark Ellis in team roping provide some local, fan favourites who have a shot at the weekend championship buckles.
The Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo committee, who put in many hours getting this elite rodeo organized, will be thanking long time rodeo volunteers during Sunday's show as well as a making a secret, special presentation.
Also sandwiched in the middle of the Saturday and Sunday shows will be the annual Kinsmen Rodeo Cabaret in Battleford featuring Warne Noyce and the Combine Pilots and Trooper
