Kindersley Rodeo saddles up for 30th celebration

By Jordan Parker

Though the event may not be until June, Kindersley Rodeo organizers are hard at work getting things ready for their marquee event.

It will be June 1-3 at the West Central Events Centre, and the committee is making huge headway as they push toward the show.

“Things are going really well. Our sponsorships are going excellent, and the community really stands behind this event,” said Sam Hawken, President of the Rodeo Organizing Committee.

Action from the 2022 Kindersley Rodeo. PHOTOS BY KATE WINQUIST

They’re celebrating a milestone 30th year, and he says it’s important to remember those who were running things long before this committee, including people like Richard Jones.

“People came before me, started this, and made it what it is,” he said. “They did this for 20-odd years before we took it over.”

“There’s always just so much work that goes into this event, and the people here love it so much.”

He said the rodeo gets the town really into the swing of a changing season, and it’s an optimistic time of year.

“After a long winter, having a spring event like this is big,” he said, as he shovelled snow in the cold Saskatchewan air.

“All people want to get out and do something. But based on the weather right now, we may just still have snow then.”

He said the air around the committee is one of excitement as they prep for things.

“Everyone is hyped, ready and wants this to be a big success. I won’t lie, though, there’s always a sense of relief when it’s done,” he said.

“This rodeo helps make sure hotels, restaurants and gas stations are seeing spin-offs. The town is busier, and that has an impact when the event is on here.”

Hawken says people can expect all the things they know and love, and they’re not going to throw too many curve balls.

“We have the same event as last year and type of show, and the same rodeo clown. We do have some trick rider changes, and we can’t wait for local girl Shelby Simpson to join us,” he said.

“She’s being doing this for a lot of years and she’s really good. It’s nice to have the locals included.”

For Hawken, who was born and raised 30 miles east of Kindersley, he says it can be a great introduction for people.

“Some in town – and some younger folks – haven’t seen livestock and talent on display like this. They haven’t seen a bull or horse,” he said. “To give people the chance to see something cool like this is really nice.”

He now lives in town and helps on his parents’ farm when he isn’t in the oil-fields, and has seen the event grow. He’s also seen the excitement for it.

“We’re happy to be able to bring this. We upped the entertainment value, and the prize money is bigger,” he said. “It brings more people to town, and we just want great talent for people to enjoy.”

The 30th Kindersley Indoor Rodeo will be at the West Central Events Centre from June 1-3, 2023.