The Calgary Stampede is proud to announce the rodeo superstars set to once again light up the rodeo arena for Stampede 2021, July 9-18. After an extended absence of rodeo in Canada, top-caliber competition will be back in Calgary, with the Stampede hosting the elite athletes of the sport from both Canada and the United States.

Earlier this month, the federal government gave the Calgary Stampede the go-ahead for a modified quarantine that allows rodeo competitors to safely enter Canada. Many of the biggest names in the sport are excited to make the trip, including a number of world, Canadian and Stampede champions.

“The Calgary Stampede is the most prestigious rodeo of the summer,” PRCA World Champion Tie-down Roper Shane Hanchey said. “Anytime I get to back in the box with the Calgary Stampede roping chutes, it’s a privilege I don’t take for granted. I am excited to be back!”

Joining the Louisiana cowboy is a wealth of American and Canadian talent, including a number of local competitors. Canada will be well represented in the hands of many talented athletes, including Calgary’s own Connor Hamilton, two-time PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Zeke Thurston of Big Valley, Alberta, and barrel racer, Val Gillespie from the community of Finnigan, who earned her spot last weekend through the first Calgary Stampede Barrel Racing Qualifier.
“The Calgary Stampede has always been a goal of mine since I was a little girl,” Gillespie said. “I’m really looking forward to running in that arena with the electric crowd and being present in the moment to take it all in.”

The stacked roster also includes Canadian rookies Ryan Shuckburg, Ben Andersen and Beau Cooper. Other fan-favorites include bull riding superstar Daylon Swearingen, reigning PRCA World Champion Tie-down Roper Shad Mayfield and five-time PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler Luke Branquinho.

The Stampede Rodeo will have the largest purse of any PRCA rodeo this season, with the exception of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Prize money of $250,000 is up for grabs in each event, with a total of $1.5 million to be won over the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede.

Beginning daily at 1:30 p.m. (Mountain Time), the 2021 Stampede Rodeo is a must-see experience. Tickets for the rodeo are available and include admission into Stampede Park the day of the event. New in 2021 is a VIP, full-service, outdoor experience that will put you in the heart of the action. To book your Stampede Rodeo tickets, VIP Tarmac experience, or to purchase general park admission for days you are not attending the rodeo or Stampede Evening Show, go to CalgaryStampede.com.

2021 Calgary Stampede Rodeo Contestants

Bareback Riding
Caleb Bennett – Corvallis, MT
Dantan Bertsch – Eastend, SK
Evan Betony – Tonalea, AZ
Taylor Broussard – Estherwood, LA
Richmond Champion – Stevensville, MT
Logan Corbett – Thompsonville, IL
Cole Franks – Clarendon, TX
Mike Fred – Hoyt, KS
Cole Goodine – Carbon, AB
Hunter Green – Bastrop, LA
Connor Hamilton – Calgary, AB
Zach Hibler – Wheeler, TX
Spur Lacasse – Calgary, AB
Kody Lamb – Sherwood Park, AB
Orin Larsen – Inglis, MB
Ky Marshall – Bowden, AB
Tim O’Connell – Zwingle, IA
Jesse Pope – Waverly, KS
Jacob Raine – Mount Pleasant, TN
Michael Solberg – Sunnynook, AB
Anthony Thomas – Houston, TX

Steer Wrestling
Luke Branquinho – Los Alamos, CA
Jesse Brown – Baker City, OR
Cody Cassidy – Donalda, AB
Curtis Cassidy – Donalda, AB
Stephen Culling – Fort St. John, BC
Cody Devers – Balko, OK
Jacob Elder – Alva, OK
Dakota Eldridge – Elko, NV
Joshua Garner – Live Oak, CA
Stockton Graves – Alva, OK
Scott Guenther – Provost, AB
Nick Guy – Sparta, WI
Stetson Jorgensen – Blackfoot, ID
Blake Knowles – Heppner, OR
Eli Lord – Sturgis, SD
Dalton Massey – Hermiston, OR
Tanner Milan – Cochrane, AB
Taz Olson – Prairie City, SD
Tyler Pearson – Louisville, MS
Dylan Schroeder – Waller, TX
Ryan Shuckburg – Innisfail, AB
J.D. Struxness – Milan, MN

Saddle Bronc Riding
Ben Andersen – Rocky Mountain House, AB
Jade Blackwell – Rapid City, SD
Allen Boore – Axtell, UT
Chase Brooks – Deer Lodge, MT
Wyatt Casper – Miami, TX
Logan Cook – Alto, TX
Brody Cress – Hillsdale, WY
Isaac Diaz – Desdemona, TX
Leon Fountain – Socorro, NM
Shorty Garrett – Eagle Butte, SD
Dawson Hay – Wildwood, AB
Lefty Holman – Visalia, CA
Chet Johnson – Douglas, WY
Jacob Kammerer – Philip, SD
Parker Kempfer – Deer Park, FL
Sage Newman – Melstone, MT
Kirk Thomson – Lundbreck, AB
Zeke Thurston – Big Valley, AB
Kolby Wanchuk – Sherwood Park, AB
Jake Watson – Hudson’s Hope, BC

Tie-down Roping
Beau Cooper – Stettler, AB
Marcos Costa – Menard, TX
Cody Craig – Wendell, ID
Erik Dublanko – Thorsby, AB
Morgan Grant – Didsbury, AB
Shane Hanchey – Sulphur, LA
Kincade Henry – Mount Pleasant, TX
Hunter Herrin – Apache, OK
Westyn Hughes – Caldwell, TX
Ryan Jarrett – Comanche, OK
Kyle Lucas – Carstairs, AB
Shad Mayfield – Clovis, NM
Haven Meged – Miles City, MT
Jake Pratt – Ellensburg, WA
Ben Robinson – Red Deer County, AB
Clint Robinson – Spanish Fork, UT
Blair Smith – Wimborne, AB
Justin Smith – Leesville, LA
Ryle Smith – Oakdale, CA
Cory Solomon – Prairie View, TX
Marty Yates – Stephenville, TX
Trey Young – Dupree, SD

Barrel Racing
Brittney Barnett – Stephenville, TX
Lynette Brodoway – Brooks, AB
Lacey Caldas – Exshaw, AB
Toni Dixon – Foothills, AB
Raylee Edwards – Lethbridge County, AB
Justine Elliot – Lacombe, AB
Angela Ganter – Abilene, TX
Jackie Ganter – Abilene, TX
Val Gillespie – Finnigan, AB
Wenda Johnson – Pawhuska, OK
Lindsay Kruse – Fromberg, MT
Vanessa Leggett – Kamloops, BC
Taylor Manning – Yellowhead County, AB
Celeste Montpellier – Stettler, AB
Bertina Olafson – Hudson Bay, SK
Jenna O’Reilly – Millarville, AB
Carman Pozzobon – Aldergrove, BC
Stacey Ruzicka – Bluffton, AB
Jennifer Sharp – Richards, TX
Shelby Spielman – Dalhart, TX
Nikki Vanderlee – Brooks, AB

Bull Riding
Tim Bingham – Howell, UT
Tyler Bingham – Howell, UT
Dakota Buttar – Kindersley, SK
Riker Carter – Stone, ID
Cody Coverchuk – Meadow Lake, SK
Lon Danley – Tularosa, NM
Edgar Durazo – Carsland, AB
Cole Fischer – Jefferson City, MO
Josh Frost – Randlett, UT
Denton Fugate – Niangua, MO
Garrett Green – Meeting Creek, AB
Jordan Hansen – Amisk, AB
Zane Lambert – Ponoka, AB
Gavin Michel – Sulphur Springs, TX
JC Mortensen – Paulden, AZ
Laramie Mosley – Palestine, TX
Matthew Palmer – Claremore, OK
Jared Parsonage – Maple Creek, SK
Shane Proctor – Grand Coulee, WA
Daylon Swearingen – Rochelle, GA
Eli Vastbinder – Union Grove, NC

About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede 2021 programs and facilities.

In 2017, Marcos Costa was on top of the ProRodeo world.

Since, the Brazilian tie-down roper has been battling injuries.

Costa made history by becoming the first native Brazilian to win a tie-down roping world title. He also won the average at the 2017 National Finals Rodeo with an 81.3-second time on 10 head and the RAM Top Gun Award for most money won at that year’s NFR with $195,519.

That season marked Costa’s third consecutive trip to the NFR.

“After 2017, I had an accident on the ranch and broke my left knee,” said Costa, 30. “I had to go back and redo my knee.”

Knee problems unfortunately, have been a way of life for Costa.

RELATED: Bull rider Ruger Piva hopes to use ProRodeo Tour as jolt to make NFR debut

In April 2018, Costa was sidelined following right knee surgery. It was the fifth time Costa had had right knee surgery since 2011, when he initially tore the ACL in his knee after slamming a calf on top of his leg while roping in Brazil.

In 2019, Costa finished 19th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings, and last year, in the COVID-19-marred season, he was 29th.

Costa has continued to persevere. He’s ninth in the latest world standings with $36,756, earning $8,472 at the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo, which ended June 26.

“God has given me the chance to be healthy again,” Costa said. “It has been a long fight. When you feel like you can do what you used to do, it is a great feeling.”

Costa is in the midst of a Cowboy Christmas run that includes stops in Greeley, Colo., Prescott, Ariz., St. Paul, Ore., Red Lodge, Mont., Livingston, Mont., Cody, Wyo., Killdeer, N.D., and Belle Fourche, S.D.

“The dream is to get back to the NFR,” Costa said. “I want to be back up there. It is always in God’s hand. I’m going to try and do my best, and I hope God gives me a chance to be up there.”

Costa, who is from Iretama, a small ranching and farming community in the southern state of Parana, is riding Pouraguaja, the reserve 2016 PRCA | AQHA Tie-down Roping Horse of the Year. Costa rode Pouraguaja, now 13, to the world title.

“She’s still good as ever,” Costa said.

Costa travels the PRCA trail with his wife, Keyla, a barrel racer. They married in 2018.

“She is my best friend, my wife, my right arm, she’s my everything,” said Costa, who lives in Tolar, Texas. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world and blessed because when I travel with my wife it feels like home.”

Keyla praised Marcos.

“He’s an amazing husband,” she said. “Now it’s so good because we travel together. God has been so good to us.”

The heartbreak of barely missing the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo has become a common reality for bull rider Ruger Piva.

Piva finished 17th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings the past two seasons and had to put his Wrangler NFR debut on hold.

“Being so close twice has definitely pushed me a lot harder this year,” said Piva, 26. “It can either be a negative or a positive and I’m trying to make sure it will never happen again.”

Piva is doing his best to not have his NFR bubble burst in 2021, he is sitting 13th in the world standings with $43,028.

Piva’s also been making a point to compete in the ProRodeo Tour rodeos and that decision has paid off as he’s fourth in the ProRodeo Tour standings with 2056.93 points.

“Last year right after San Antonio (in February) I was right up there in the world standings, and I went to the doctor because my hip was hurting really bad,” Piva said. “I had to have reconstructive surgery on most of the muscles on my right hip. Right when COVID hit, it kind of worked out for me, but I came back a little too soon and I had the lowest riding percentage of my career, around 30 percent, and I still almost made the NFR.”

“This year, I’m feeling healthy, that has been part of it, and I’ve just been taking every bull serious, not overlooking anything.”

Piva finished second at the San Antonio Stock & Rodeo on Feb. 27, earning a season-best $12,800.

The ProRodeo Tour is the culmination of the most prestigious tour on the PRCA circuit. The Tour finale will take place at California Rodeo Salinas, Sept. 23-26 and will punch tickets to the Wrangler NFR for a majority of ProRodeo athletes.

Something not lost on Piva.

“I have made a point to go to the ProRodeo Tour rodeos,” Piva said. “There’s going to be a lot of money there in Salinas. It is also good money at the (ProRodeo Tour) rodeos as well so it is just a win-win.”

The Top 24 competitors in each event in the ProRodeo Tour Standings advance to the Tour Finale and will compete in the high-dollar rodeo on the season’s final weekend.

“With Salinas paying a lot of money it can be the difference of a guy being 30th in the world (standings) to qualifying for the NFR if he can win Salinas,” Piva said. “I would definitely like to win it or be in one of the top places in Salinas for sure this year.”

The Tour Finale will air on The Cowboy Channel and will stream on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App. For more information, visit cowboychannelplus.com.

The ProRodeo season ends Sept. 30. The Top 15 athletes in the PRCA | RAM World Standings in each event will qualify for the Wrangler NFR.

CASPER, Wyo. (June 13, 2021) — After two years of ups and downs, the 72nd edition of the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) got off to a rousing start at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper.

Last year’s events were cancelled due to the pandemic and this year contestants, fans, coaches, the state of Wyoming and Casper community are all excited to be celebrating college rodeo again. The competition started off with the Bulls Broncs and Breakaway Sunday afternoon which saw the first round complete in four events.

The first round of bareback riding featured some of the best that the CNFR has ever seen. Cole Franks from Clarendon (Texas) College won his signature event with a score of 83.5 points. Franks is also in the top 20 in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and won the Southwest Region of the National Intercollegiate Association. He is making a bid for the all-around here competing in the saddle bronc riding as well where he got 73.5 points to finish in the 11th spot.

– Sophomore Cole Franks from Clarendon College won the first round of bareback riding at the 72nd CNFR on Sunday with an 83.5-point ride. CNFR photo by Jackie Jensen.

Franks is the son of Bret Franks who qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in saddle bronc riding. Franks has been coaching at Clarendon College and has had two national saddle bronc riding champions to his credit. Wyatt Casper won the CNFR in 2016 and Riggin Smith was the 2019 champion and helped their men’s team finish in third place.

There were only six points separating the top eight in the bareback riding and among those was champion Lane McGeHee from Sam Houston State University who won the title here in 2016 as a freshman. McGeHee tied with Ty Pope from Missouri Valley College for the fourth spot with 80 points each.

The popularity of breakaway roping has always been high here, but with the addition of the event at pro rodeos across the country competition is getting tougher. A time under two seconds got the top spot on Sunday. Winter Williams from Southwestern Oklahoma State University stopped the clock in 1.9 seconds for the win.

Williams just earned her degree in allied health sciences and is also competing in the barrel racing here. She will have her first run in that event on Monday morning during slack and will be in contention for a women’s all-around title.

Another degree earning senior got the win in the saddle bronc riding and while he calls Craig, Colorado home, he is a Wyoming Cowboy. Garrett Uptain, who got his bachelor’s degree in ag business from the University of Wyoming scored 79.5 points to edge out Clarendon College’s Weston Patterson and Western Texas College’s Dylan Schofield who each had 79 points for second place.

The 2018 National High School Rodeo Association champion bull rider Cole Skender was the most successful contestant here in the first round. Skender, who won his high school title for his home state of Arkansas now attends Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was one of seven successful riders on Sunday and earned the top spot with a 84.5-point ride.

Competition at the 2021 CNFR continues with slack on Monday, June 14 beginning at 7 a.m. The first round of barrel racing, goat tying, steer wrestling, tie-down roping and team roping will be completed then. The bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding and breakaway roping will be in the second round.

 

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CASPER, Wyo.—The following are results from Bulls Broncs and Breakaway at the College National Finals Rodeo, June 13, 2021, courtesy of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Complete results are available at www.collegerodeo.com.

Breakaway Roping: (first-round winners) 1, Winter Williams, Southwest Oklahoma State University, 1.9 seconds. 2, (tie) Grace Felton, Lassen College, and Zoie Bedke, Idaho State University, 2.1. 4, Harley Lynn, Southern Arkansas University, 2.2. 5, Abbie Shofner, New Mexico State University, 2.3. 6, Alli Masters, Northeastern Oklahoma State University, 2.5, 7, Courney Peters, Black Hills State University, 2.7. 8, (tie) Tanegai Zilverberg, Mitchell Technical Institute; and Jade Boote, Dickinson State University, and Catherine Clayton, Cochise, College, 2.8 seconds.

Bareback Riding: (first round winners) 1, Cole Franks, Clarendon College, 83.5 points. 2, Jacob Lees, Western Texas College, 83. 3, Waylon Bourgeois, McNeese State University, 81.5. 4, Lane McGehee, Sam Houston State University, and Ty Pope, Missouri Valley College, 80 points each. 6, Dean Thompson, Western Texas College, 79.5. 7, Kolt Dement, Panola Junior College, 79. 8, Nick Pelke, Missouri Valley College, 77.5.

Saddle Bronc Riding: (first round winners) 1, Garrett Uptain, University of Wyoming, 79.5 points. 2, Weston Patterson, Clarendon College, and Dylan Schofield, Western Texas College, 79 points each. 4, Jake Barnes, Tarleton State University, 77.5. 6, (tie) Cash Wilson, Clarendon College and Cash Wilson, College of Southern Idaho, 76 points each. 8, Quinten Taylor, Casper College, 75.

Bull Riding: (first round winners) 1, (tie) Cole Skender, Three Rivers College, 84.5 points. 2, Quinten Taylor, Casper, College, 79.4. 3, Cullen Telfer, Tarleton State University, 78. 4, Hunter Tate, Coffeyville Community College, 77. 5, Trey Holston, Fort Scott Community College, 73.5. 5, Chris Villanueva, Sam Houston State University, 73. 7, Holden Moss, Three Rivers College, 69.5.

How to watch the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

• Date: Saturday, June 19
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: Las Vegas
• Streaming: Paramount+
• TV channel: CBS

On Juneteenth, Saturday, June 19, history will be made on CBS at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo – Vegas Showdown, will be the first all-Black rodeo broadcast on national television. The rodeo was run on Sunday, June 13 and will be on at 1 p.m. ET on Juneteenth.

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) has been running since 1984 and was created by. Lu Vason as a platform for Black cowboys and cowgirls. It aimed to “challenge the false perception of the absence of Blacks in the development of the West.”

Since the beginning, they aim to educate, as well as entertain, and have traveled to over 30 cities across the U.S.

Valeria Howard-Cunningham, the only Black woman to oversee a rodeo, discussed the importance of the event. She said shining a light on rodeo and specifically on Black Cowboys and Cowgirls.

“As we celebrate Juneteenth, I am glad we can also celebrate our Black Cowboys and Cowgirls. The fans can expect to see talented and proud Black Cowboys and Cowgirls competing in the world of rodeo. They will see Black Cowboys and Cowgirls are REAL! I hope seeing this PBR/BPIR collaboration will help fans appreciate the sport of rodeo, and they will want to come to the next BPIR rodeo to experience it first-hand for a perspective changing experience.”

Howard-Cunningham said she is most proud of continuing the tradition when many did not believe BPIR would survive.

“When I took over as the leader of the organization, there were those that said, because you are a woman and a Black woman, BPIR will not last. We are not only still here, but stronger than ever,” she said. “We continue to build off our past, always looking forward to an even brighter future, no matter the struggle.”

While coronavirus forced its cancellation in 2020, the Augusta American Legion Rodeo is returning for 2021, with festivities happening all weekend long, from June 25-27, 2021.

“Last year was the first time in history that the rodeo didn’t happen,” said Ben Arps, chairman of the Augusta American Legion Rodeo. “This year, we can’t wait to welcome rodeo athletes, rodeo lovers and visitors back to our small Montana town.”

The 84th Annual Augusta American Legion Rodeo will be held on Sunday, June 27 at 2 p.m. In addition to the rodeo performance, there are several events taking place all weekend long, including vendors, live music, a street dance and a parade.

“If there’s one thing that’s synonymous with Augusta, it’s the rodeo,” said Tia Troy, President of the Augusta Area Chamber of Commerce. “And since we missed the rodeo and all the folks who come to Augusta for it last year, we’re extending this year’s event to last for an entire weekend.”

More information about all the activities going on this year at the Augusta American Legion Rodeo can be found here.

Dubois County Boots and Bulls, a rodeo and concert experience, occurs on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at the Dubois County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Event highlights include National Federation Professional bull riding and an acoustic concert by country music performer Deana Carter.

Organized by Rally Point Events and presented by the Indiana Army National Guard, proceeds will benefit local veterans.

Two hours of nonstop adrenaline fun, the rodeo features bull riding, Mutton Bustin’, and barrel racing. Limited open spots for barrel racing and Mutton Bustin’ will be announced on Facebook two weeks before the event. The rodeo is a Rafter 7p Production and is presented by Busch and Busch Light. All belt buckles and awards for the winners will be presented by German American Bank.

A special acoustic concert by acclaimed singer, songwriter, and actress Deana Carter (Deana Carter – it’s Dee-na) immediately follows the rodeo. The Grammy-nominated performer’s impressive catalog boasts “How Do I Get There,” “Count Me In,” and the title track of her breakthrough multi-platinum debut, “Did I Shave My Legs For This?”. In 1997, she won the coveted award for Single of the Year from the Country Music Association for her signature song “Strawberry Wine.”

The concert is presented by Visit Dubois County, Inc. (Visit Dubois County (Indiana)The event is a partnership with ALASI, the Association of Latin Americans in Southern Indiana. “The origins of both the rodeo circuit and country music are heavily influenced by the Hispanic culture,” Rally Point Events President Lance Yearby says. “ALASI continues to advance the community through their innovative and inspiring charitable endeavors.”Admission is $20 with children eight and under free. Visit www.DCBootsAndBulls.com to purchase tickets.

This a limited capacity event, and advance ticket purchases are highly encouraged.

Food trucks and a beer garden will be onsite. Gates will open at 4:00 p.m. Eastern, and the rodeo begins at 5:00. The concert starts at 7:00 and concludes with an after-party featuring music by Jimmy Detalent and the Electric Revival.

Rally Point Events is a 501c3 entity comprised of volunteers who organize events to support veteran organizations in the tri-state area. 100% of the proceeds from this event will support local veterans.

CALGARY — Jason Kenney has responded on social media to a rodeo that drew thousands of people to a rural Alberta community on the weekend.

“It is disturbing to see large numbers of people gathering this weekend at Bowden in flagrant violation of COVID-19 public health measures,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Not only are gatherings like this a threat to public health, they are a slap in the face to everybody who is observing the rules to keep themselves and their fellow Albertans safe.”

He added the reason why Alberta is seeing extremely high case rates is because people are “ignoring the rules.”

“If we do not begin to bend the curve, our health care system could very well be overwhelmed in a matter of weeks.”

Organizers touted the ‘No More Lockdowns’ rodeo, held Saturday and Sunday in the community approximately an hour north of Calgary, as an act of civil disobedience.

The rodeo was supposed to be held at an official arena in Bowden, but the town’s agricultural society pulled the permit for it when it learned the event was going ahead despite COVID-19 rules against it.

Alberta Health Services also condemned the event, saying it was “disappointing” that organizers went ahead with it.

“It was a clear breach of the current public health restrictions,” AHS wrote in a statement. “In addition, it is extremely concerning that people would knowingly put their fellow Albertans at risk by ignoring the restrictions, particularly with increasing cases and the subsequent pressure on our healthcare system.”

The Northcott Rodeo, the group behind it, said on Facebook it would not stand by as the Western heritage of Albertans was “ripped out of existence.”

Kenney added the very thought of holding a large rodeo was an insult to the same Western heritage the organizers were trying to defend.

“I’m angered and saddened to see so many people selfishly put themselves ahead of others. Rodeos celebrate Alberta’s Western heritage, a key part of which is our community spirit and looking out for others, especially the vulnerable,” he said.

“That’s the opposite of what these folks are doing.”

The premier did not make any mention of enforcement against any of the organizers in his statement, but a spokesperson from his office said it’s not the place for elected officials to direct law enforcement.

“Alberta’s government has given law enforcement and AHS increased authority to issue tickets and enforce COVID-19 public safety measures, including preventing registry services for those in violation of COVID health measures,” said Jerrica Goodwin, Kenney’s press secretary in an email to CTV News.

It is disturbing and to see large numbers of people gathering this weekend at Bowden in flagrant violation of COVID-19 public health measures.

— Jason Kenney (@jkenney) May 2, 2021

Montana cowboys and cowgirls who earned their spots at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo will be competing in Kissimmee, Florida, this weekend.

The rodeo begins Thursday and ends on Saturday. Competitors who qualified for the NCFR were the average winner or year-end champion at their respective circuit finals.

The 42nd annual Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals was at the Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell in January.

Representing the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit at the prestigious rodeo will be Richmond Champion and Wyatt Bloom in bareback; team ropers Brady Tryan (header), Radley Day (header), Matt Robertson (heeler) and Taylor Williams (heeler); Shawn Downing and Scott Guenthner in steer wrestling; Chase Brooks and Travis Nelson in saddle bronc; Haven Meged and Bryce Bott in tie-down roping; Lindsay Kruse and Erin Williams in barrel racing; and Parker Breding and Hawk Whitt in bull riding.

A complete list of the RAM NCFR qualifiers is listed on the event’s website.

According to the event’s website, the qualifiers will be competing for $1 million in cash and prizes.

One local cowboy will saddle up when the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RAM NCFR) rides into town this weekend.

Kissimmee’s own Parker Kempfer will be one of 200- plus circuit champions from across the U.S. and Canada who will vie for $1 million in cash and prizes while trying to leave their mark on history in the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo April 9 and 10.

The entertaining event returns to Osceola County, bringing a level of rodeo competition unlike any other to the dirt-covered floor of the Silver Spurs Arena, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee.

Parker Kempfer

In January 2021, Kempfer headed south to Davie, Florida to compete at the Southeastern Circuit Finals. In the first round, he climbed down into the chute onboard Girl Crush, a mare hauled by 5 Star Rodeo. When the chute gate swung open, Girl Crush stalled before carrying Parker to third place. Dakota Twist of Hi-Lo Pro Rodeo proved to be a handful in the second round, but a 77 was good enough for another third place. Kempfer went two for two to earn the title as the Southeastern Circuit yearend saddle bronc champion and a qualification to the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo.

Sitting on the back of the bucking chutes at the original Silver Spurs Arena nearly 20 years ago, Kempfer idolized the rough stock cowboys that came to compete. As he grew, his love and admiration for the sport grew too. Kempfer traveled with his dad, George, and Uncle Doug to several rodeos across the state hauling bucking bulls. Parker and his family have always been involved in the rodeo industry. Though his mother wouldn’t allow him to rodeo as a child, he eventually found his way as a champion saddle bronc rider.

RAM NCFR events

• Thursday, April 8 (7:30 p.m.) Healthcare Heroes Night (Invitation Only)-All healthcare employees will receive complimentary tickets with a valid identification. (One per ID. Capacity is limited. First come, first serve)

• Friday, April 9 (7:30 p.m.) Military Appreciation Night – Pay tribute and honor our local active and retired military and first responders, free with a valid identification. (One per ID).

• Saturday, April 10 (1:30 p.m.) Family Day – Looking for fun for the entire family? Grab your boots and enjoy good food and good family fun.

• Saturday, April 10 (7:30 p.m.) Pink Heals Night – Wear your best “pink” and honor those who are fighting and have fought cancer. A $1,000 donation will be made to the Pink Heals Organization of St. Cloud. Staff, competitors, and livestock will be sporting their pink rodeo gear. Plus, it will be in the final round of the RAM NCFR, where the top eight contestants from each event advance to the semifinal round, then move to sudden death competition that determines the National Champions in each event.

Ticket information

Tickets range from $25 – $85 for adults, kids 3 – 12 range from $12.50 – $15 for each performance, and kids 2 and under are free. Seniors 55 and older may receive $3 off any ticket purchase with valid identification. Tickets can be purchased at the Silver Spurs Arena Box Office, by phone at 800-745-3000, or by visiting www.Ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.RNCFR.com.

For regular updates, photos, news and more, follow the RAM NCFR on Facebook at Facebook. com/Rncfr, on Twitter at Twitter.com/RNCFR, and on Instagram at @ RncfrKissimmee.

The RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo returns to Osceola County Silver Spurs Arena this weekend, with the best of the best in rodeo competition. Rodeo Fans will see 200+ circuit champions from across the US and Canada vie for $1 million in cash and prizes while trying to leave their mark on history. Plus, local vendors will be on-site for shopping and selling local merchandise.

“With the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo being in Osceola County for several years, we are building on and growing an amazing, one-of-a-kind rodeo that brings national champions and fans all under one roof,” said Brandon Arrington, Chair of the Osceola County Commission. “The final round on Saturday night, including some local cowboys and cowgirls, will have you on the edge of your seat as the best of the best compete against each other for $1 million in cash and prizes.”

On Thursday, April 8th at 7:30 pm the RNCFR will show its heart for the community on Healthcare Heroes Night (Invitation Only). All healthcare employees will receive complimentary tickets with a valid ID. (One per ID. Capacity is limited. First come, first serve)

Friday night, April 9th at 7:30 p.m. the Silver Spurs Arena will light up for our local active and retired military and first responders. It’s Military Appreciation Night! Free admission with a valid ID. (One per ID)

On Saturday, April 10th at 1:30 p.m. it’s Family Day. If you’re looking for fun for the entire family, this is a rodeo for you. Grab your boots and enjoy good food and good family fun!

Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. is Pink Heals Night – Wear your best “pink” and honor those who are fighting and have fought cancer. A $1,000 donation will be made to the Pink Heals Organization of St. Cloud, Florida. Staff, competitors, and livestock will be sporting their pink rodeo gear! Plus, this is the Final Round of the RAM NCFR, where the top eight contestants from each event advance to the semifinal round, then move to sudden death competition that determines the National Champions in each event.

It all takes place at Silver Spurs Rodeo Arena at Osceola Heritage Park – 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744.

Tickets range from $25 – $85 for adults, kids 3 – 12 range from $12.50 – $15 for each performance, and kids 2 and under are free. Seniors 55+ may receive $3.00 off any ticket purchase (with valid ID). On April 8th & 9th, during Healthcare Heroes and Military Appreciation Night, we will honor healthcare employees, servicemen and women, and first responders with free admission (with valid ID). Tickets can be purchased at the Silver Spurs Arena Box Office, by phone at 800-745-3000, or by visiting ​www.Ticketmaster.com​.

For detailed and up-to-date information, please visit ​www.RFD-TV.com.