2nd Annual Cowboy Days Western Festival in Vauxhall

Posted on July 25, 2024 by admin

By Heather Cameron
Westwind Weekly News

The 2nd Annual Cowboy Days Western Festival will take place August 2 to August 4 at the Vauxhall Rodeo Grounds and the Malcolm Jones Arena in partnership with Rugged Rodeo Inc.

“The event was well received last year after only being planned over a very short time frame,” said Judy Leeson of the Vauxhall Cowboy Days Committee. “We anticipate even greater attendance this year as we have had a year for preparation, with more time and resources to get the word out to people. We are beyond thankful for all the volunteers that helped with last year’s rodeo, without them things wouldn’t have run so smoothly. We have put a year’s worth of planning into this event rounding up sponsors, vendors and getting events organized. We have had great response and support from our community putting this event together.”

Leeson says that this year’s festival will kick off on August 2 with the hosting of the NBBR Barrel Racing ABRA Finals. 

Then, Leeson says, August 3, events will start at 11 a.m. with the Little Big Rancher Family Fun Rodeo followed by Canada’s First Big Loop Horse Roping, Wild Pony Races, Wild Momma Goat Milking, Mutton Busting, and 10 and under calf riding at 4 p.m. 

At 7 p.m. that day, Leeson says, the rough stock events of bareback, saddle bronc, ranch bronc, and bull riding will commence.

Finally, Leeson says, August 4’s events will begin at 11 a.m. with a Team Roping Jackpot and at this time, they are also working on a possible additional event. 

“We felt the need to make use of our arena/rodeo grounds and we all wanted to see a rodeo brought back to Vauxhall,” said Leeson.

Admission to the event, Leeson says, will be $20 per day for 16+, $10 per day for ages 10 to 15, 9 and under will be free, and there will be weekend passes available, $50 per pass for ages 16+ and $25 per pass for ages 10 to 15. 

Camping, Leeson says, is free with gate admission.

Leeson says that in addition to the rodeo events, there will be a vendor market, food trucks, and beer gardens set up. 

“We are grateful to have the support of our community and surrounding communities that help with sponsorship,” said Leeson. 

“It takes a village: a small group of individuals with the same like-mindedness and strong ties to western heritage.” 

“We want to promote agriculture and the western way of life. This is an opportunity for those that don’t get to be a part of it every day.”