Volunteers needed for key roles

Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo is set to return Aug. 14 to 17, and with several key volunteer roles left to be filled, organizers are putting out the call for community members to lend a hand and support the highly popular local tradition.

“It takes a lot of people and a lot of hours,” says Lynn Lievers, who co-chairs the rodeo’s organizing committee.

“We’re still looking for people to work the cabaret, we’re still looking for beer garden shifts, and definitely some gate shifts. Pretty much all of the volunteer opportunities have some sort of availability.” 

Starting with gate attendants, these volunteers are needed to help with ticket sales and entry. This includes taking payment or verifying online tickets, stamping hands and directing spectators into the rodeo grounds. 

“Our gate prices haven’t changed since last year, so the math is very easy and we promise to keep it that way,” Lynn says with a laugh.

Those stationed at the competitors gate will be asked to to greet rodeo contestants and ensure that they are in fact qualified participants with appropriate credentials.

For cabaret and beer garden volunteers, responsibilities are largely to assist with crowd flow management and service.

“The people that do work the cabaret late shift, I think, have the most fun out of any volunteer shift,” Lynn notes.

In addition to these standard roles, volunteers are also needed for a new job this year. The organizing committee is looking for a handful of attendants to oversee the Canyon School parking lot, which was generously offered by the school to accommodate parking.

“We’re requesting a few people to hang out at the Canyon School parking lot for an hour before and after the rodeo starts, mostly to welcome people and to make sure that they park respectfully and not leave their vehicle overnight,” Lynn says.

Shifts generally last anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours. In addition to passes to enjoy the rodeo free of charge beyond their shifts, volunteers will receive a small thank-you package that includes a McDonald’s coupon and a meal voucher for those working over lunch or dinner.

Rodeo volunteers must be 18 or older to work the beer gardens and cabaret. ProServe certification is considered a plus, but is not required. 

No experience is needed to volunteer for any of the open positions; simply show up with a positive attitude and be ready to help.

Lynn and husband Mike, who also co-chairs the organizing committee, have proudly supported the pro rodeo for 20 years. For them, it’s a way to give back to the place they’ve called home for so long, and Lynn hopes that locals will follow suit.

“I just believe that anyone that benefits from a community also has a responsibility to contribute to that community in which they live,” Lynn explains.

“For this reason, my husband and I chose to support the rodeo, and over the years, it has become our little way of giving back to the community that we appreciate so much.”

Those interested in volunteering to support the rodeo can sign up for a specific role and time slot, or look for further information about select roles, by visiting volunteersignup.org/MQC3C.

Questions regarding volunteering can be directed to Lynn at 403-432-1369.