Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Third of Top Ten Rodeos

PRCA Top 3/10
Cheyenne Frontier Days - Cheyenne, WY
Cheyenne's world-class rodeo is truly the "Daddy of 'em All. Known for its fast pace and huge number of contestants, the CFD rodeo ensures that visitors see more rodeo action (over 40 bulls and 70 saddle and bareback broncs daily) than they can see at any other rodeo. Every event is performed in each of the nine daily performances, so any day at Cheyenne Frontier Days is a good day to see an exciting, action-packed rodeo. The rodeo consists of at least ten rodeo events and three track acts (trick riders, matched horse racing, and mare and colt racing) in a fast- paced display of athletics, heroics and good- natured fun. At the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo it is known by the cowboys for the style of score it has. The cowboy sits in the box and the steer or calf comes from behind and other cowboys are yelling full, three-quarters, half, quarter, GO! GO! GO! telling the cowboy where and and when his stock is coming.

Other than the rodeo there is all sorts to get into. There is the many concerts including this year Brooks and Dunn, Aaron Tippin and Neal McCoy, Clay Walker, Sugarland, Alan Jackson and other to be announced. You can go for a refreshing beverage at the Buckin' A Saloon or down to the Wild Horse Gulch. You can go enjoy he rides at the Carnival Midway or give a helping hand at the Challenge Rodeo an event for special needs kids. If you are into history you need to go for a tour of CFD Old West Museum, the Indian Village and Fort D.A. Russell Days. There is a service offered by the Cowboy Church Service. If you are into art and sculpting then Walk on over to the Western Art Show and Reception. Watch one of the Grand Parades or ho the cooking was done on the trail at the Chuckwagon Cookoff.

The official website of the Cheyenne Frontier Days is - http://www.cfdrodeo.com/
CPRA Top 3/10

Ponoka Stampede - Ponoka, AB

In 2007, the Ponoka Stampede changed the format of their rodeo by adding the "Showdown." The top competitors in each event compete in the Finals by being in the top ten on two headed of stock. From there the top four cowboys in each event, advance to the evening "Showdown" competing for a $10.000 BONUS!! Also the top 36 wagons from the WPCA Dodge Tour and the Tommy Dorchester $50,000 Dash for Cash follows. Since the change there has been sold out crowds every year. Ponoka Stampede is very much known for bringing in only the best stock for the cowboys to compete on. With this comes the best cowboys in the World many World Champions and Canadian Champions alike will be present competing to make it back to the final round and then into the showdown. This make for extremely exciting action for the viewer. Another aspect that Ponoka is known for is the one of a kind long score that timed event cowboys run out of. Here the cattle are given a bigger head start down an 4o foot alley so once the cowboy and stock hit the arena they are both at a dead run. The rodeo is held over the first week in July during Cowboy Christmas.

There is nightly cabarets with live music and one evening there is a live performance by one of countries greats. The Long Score Saloon is open nightly allowing spectators to socialize and meets some of the contestants. West Coast Amusements brings over 25 carnival rides and games for the young and old to enjoy. There is also the downtown mile long parade to attend where there is floats, local dignitaries and marching bands. During the rodeo there are specialty acts ranging from the One Arm Bandit, to Jerry Diaz trick roper. Also, there are small fireworks displays nightly and then on huge one on July First to celebrate Canada Day. Daily pancake breakfast around town will get you out and about to meet the locals and there is a Farmers Market to buy fresh produce.
The official website of the Ponoka Stampede is - http://www.ponokastampede.com/

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