Yippy-kay-ay, it’s Bridge Lake Rodeo day

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It’s time to dust off your cowboy hat and polish up those western boots in order to be ready for the 59th Bridge Lake Rodeo.

It happens on June 28 at the historic Bridge Lake rodeo grounds, and event chairperson Jamie Law is promising all of the spine-tingling action that people have grown to expect.

Rough stock events like saddle bronc and bull riding ride high on the list of spectator favourites and Law said they’re expecting a good mix of ornery critters and amateur cowboys that will give spectators their money’s worth.

According to Law, rodeo broncs and bulls learn on the job and are just reacting to instinct when they buck.

“It’s just natural for a bull with something on its back to try and get it off,” he said. “Some are just meaner than others.”

Also on the list of events are tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing and junior events. There’s even something for the youngsters, with a stick horse event and a pig scramble at intermission time.

The pig scramble generates a lot of laughs, said Law, when a young pig is set loose in the ring with a crowd of kids in pursuit. There’s usually plenty of squeals and tumbles before one lucky person is able to tackle the pig and pin it down to win the race. In the old days, the prize may have been the pig, but at Bridge Lake Rodeo, the winner goes home with cash in his or her pocket.

There will be just as much going on outside of the rodeo ring with a full concession stand in operation all day with burgers, hot dogs and the usual fare, said Law.

A cold one can be purchased in the beer garden and so can tickets for the rodeo dance, which starts at 8 p.m. in the Bridge Lake Hall. Price of admission is $10 and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Law said a little something new this year will be beef-in-a-bun dinners which will be available in the beer garden until 8 p.m.

“Our concession always closes at 6 p.m. and we’ve found that in the past, people would leave to go get something to eat and not come back for the dance,” he said, hoping the change will retain people.

The Bridge Lake Community Club, with its ten person membership, puts on the rodeo and depends on about 50 community volunteers to cover the many associated tasks that need tending throughout the day. Fortunately, they get lots of support.

“Local people show up every year without being called and everything gets covered. It’s just awesome,” said Law, adding that he’s been helping out for as long as he can remember. He follows in the footsteps of other family members, including his grandpa, Dave Law, who claims to have attended every single rodeo following his arrival in the area in 1941. Jamie’s mom, Colleen Law, held the position of club chair for about six years before Jamie took over.

Those heading out to the rodeo won’t have to worry about fussing with breakfast before starting their day because pancakes, bacon and eggs will be on the concession griddle, beginning at 8 a.m.

By 9 a.m., overflow rodeo events will be begin and Law said they will include lots of roping competition.

Main events should get underway between noon and 1 p.m.

Admission to the rodeo will be $10 for adults, and $5 for seniors and

children 12 years and under. Little ones,

under five, will be admitted free.