Giddy-up, there’s fun to be found all over town!
Rodeo weekend is jam-packed with activities that appeal to a wide range of interests and offer families and friends the chance to kick back, relax and have fun — and you don’t have to be a cowhand to enjoy it.
Pincher Creek’s volunteer organizations and businesses are coming together to offer delicious meals, one-of-a-kind buys and buzzing social events.
Love Local
This weekend provides the perfect opportunity to support local businesses, organizations and events.
We encourage our readers to take time to mosey around town to shop, eat and enjoy Pincher Creek’s small-town hospitality whether they are locals or visitors.
In our Rodeo Week special feature you’ll find great deals on goods from steaks to western wear. Your support of the advertisers in this feature section is appreciated!
Pancake breakfasts and parade
Early risers can join Napi Friendship Association for a pancake breakfast from 9 to 11 on Friday and enjoy the warm summer sun from the picnic tables on the organization’s adjacent lawn. The breakfast, which includes pancakes, sausages, eggs, coffee and orange juice, is free of charge.
Breakfasting continues on Saturday, with a morning meal from 8 to 10 a.m. hosted by the Cowley Lions in the parking lot of the Pincher Creek Provincial Building. Attendees can enjoy $5 plates of pancakes and sausages, and meet Pincher Creek councillors, who plan to make an appearance at the event.
Proceeds go toward helping community members in need and supporting scholarships for students in the Lundbreck and Cowley area.
Sunday you can get your pancakes at the rodeo grounds from 8 to 11 a.m., hosted by the Pincher Creek SPCA. Breakfast is $5 and proceeds go toward veterinary care for the animals in the local shelter.
The Pincher Creek parade starts winding its way down Main Street at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Come wave at the colourful festive floats full of local businesspeople, volunteers, municipal leaders and cultural groups. For more information on this event, see the full story on page 17.
All the eats!
In keeping with tradition, Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village is hosting its annual Lunch With the Pioneers on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hungry parade-goers can enjoy a $15 meal of lasagna, Caesar salad and dessert, with additional treats like ice cream available to purchase.
Museum admission is free all day.
The Pincher Creek Legion is selling burgers Saturday after the parade until 3 p.m., then again from 5 to 8, along with hosting special events. Friday evening at 5, you can grab a bite from the chuckwagon supper at the family-friendly Legion.
Stop by Fox Theatre on Saturday for breakfast sandwiches and coffee, footlong hotdogs and many other tasty treats on Parade day..
Youth lemonade stands
To cool down after the parade, visitors can quench their thirst by supporting a local stand this Lemonade Day. The town’s most ambitious youth entrepreneurs are whipping up their own inventive takes on this classic summer drink and serving them from hand-decorated booths around town.
Floral festival
An array of colourful and fragrant floral arrangements are on public display Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Den on Main Street. The Oldman Rose Society of Southern Alberta is organizing the event to showcase some of Pincher Creek’s best gardening talent and to provide useful planting tips.
Western Market
Cowboys and gals can find everything to match their lifestyles at the Pincher Creek Western Market. Seventy-two vendors are setting up shop at Community Hall from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, displaying a variety of goods including ceramics, art, jewelry, food, clothing and horse rack.
The market is hosting musicians Lani Folkard and Lyndsay Butler on Saturday, and Boots and the Hoots, and Justin Sutton on Sunday. You can also find food, beverages and more at market vendors Celestial Sweets, Sun & Sip, and SGB Fitbodies.
Don’t miss the Ranchland Mall pop-up market, running from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and specials in local retail businesses.
Kids Rodeo
The kids rodeo starts at 10 a.m. Friday with entertainment and activities galore, as well as treats for purchase from Fox Theatre. Read more about the kids rodeo on page 6.
Thanks to sponsorship from the Pincher Creek Legion, the calf scramble is back and four bikes are up for grabs at the weekend Pro Rodeo performances.
Mutton bustin’ is a delight for the youngest riders, who will take to the arena before the Sunday-afternoon rodeo. The wild pony races are great fun to watch and feature local kids who aren’t afraid to land in the dirt.
Speaking of dirt, the sand pile to the west of the stands is a handy way to keep the little ones busy when the rodeo action tires them out.
Fun around town
If you’re looking for a family night out before the rodeo kicks off, plan to catch Fred Penner’s show on Wednesday, Aug. 16.
This outdoor show is free for everyone. Sing along with Fred and listen to him spin tales that will delight all ages.
In preparation for rodeo weekend, businesses will be judged on their rodeo decor Thursday at 1 p.m. Be sure to take in the rodeo spirit of Pincher Creek these next few days!
If you’re at Ranchland Mall, check out the Co-op’s photo booth and get into the spirit of the West.
Meat draws start at 12:30 p.m. at the Legion. Not sure what a meat draw is? Stop in, enjoy the air conditioning and check it out!
Saturday night’s cabaret with live music by Brandon Lorenzo will be entertaining for the 18-plus crowd. Be sure to plan for a safe ride home.
Fuelling up on the grounds
One doesn’t need to leave the rodeo grounds to get cold treats and drinks, or a bite to eat!
The Rocky Mountain Gut Truck is providing barbecue fare during Thursday night’s team roping competition and will also be ready for a hungry crowd at the cabaret on Saturday night.
The 4-H concession is open from Friday to Sunday. Club members are happy to help cure the growl in your belly, offering community service with a smile.
Beer gardens on the ag grounds are open Thursday to Sunday. Hours vary, so check the header of each day’s rodeo page for specifics.
If sweet treats are what you desire on a hot day, don’t miss the Moose Lick truck, which will be on-site to keep things cool.
Foothills 4-H Beef Club members are also offering a special dinner on Saturday at 5:30. Tickets for a steak sandwich with two sides are $20 and sold on a first come, first served basis.
Remember to have cash on hand for your purchases!
Movie night
Spend a night under the stars with friends and family Friday at the Town of Pincher Creek’s latest outdoor movie night. Starting at 9:30 p.m., Madagascar is showing at the spray park field behind the pool on Main Street. This is a free event.
Fox Theatre’s concession opens at 8 and it is recommended that viewers bring their own lawn chairs and blankets, and wear warm layers.
See full Rodeo Week feature section here!
