NEW RODEO RIDES INTO RED RIVER EXHIBITION PARK

Inaugural Winnipeg rodeo talk of the semi-pro circuit with added prize money.

NEW RODEO RIDES INTO RED RIVER EXHIBITION PARK

$25,000 Event is Talk of Rodeo Circuit

Semi-pro rodeo competitors from across Canada and the northern United States will be in Winnipeg for the inaugural Coors Light Red River Round Up August 25th and 26th.

The weekend rodeo is sanctioned by the Canadian Cowboy Association (CCA) and the Manitoba Cowboy Rodeo Association (MRCA) and will be the highest added-money rodeo on the circuit this year and one of the largest overall payouts anywhere on the circuit with $25,000 in prize money. Rodeo fans will be treated to the top semi-pro cowboys and cowgirls from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC and the northern United States.

¡§Our event has been the most talked about stop on this season¡¦s CCA/MRCA rodeo circuit,¡¨ said rodeo manager Mike Bellisle. ¡§It¡¦s considered a ¡§must go¡¨ for all top cowboys and cowgirls as they all attempt to qualify for their respective CCA and MRCA Year End Finals.¡¨

¡§In addition to providing top-notch family entertainment, the Red River Round Up will also celebrate Manitoba¡¦s western heritage as the Gateway to the West and pay tribute to the many local businesses who are major players in the rodeo, cattle or equine businesses not only in Canada but also throughout North America and beyond.¡¨

The event will feature major rodeo competitions in:

„«   Bull Riding
„«   Barrel Racing
„«   Team Roping
„«   Calf Roping
„«   Steer Wrestling
„«   Saddle Bronc
„«   Bareback

There will be 4 Novice competitions as well in Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Junior Barrel Racing, and Junior Steer Riding.

Other entertainment will be supplied by the legendary Lee Bellows as Rodeo Clown and Barrel-man. Bellows has performed in front of hundreds of thousands of fans over the years including appearances at the Calgary Stampede and the Canadian Finals Rodeo.

Dave Poulsen will be the voice of the Coors Light Red River Round Up. Poulsen is a professional rodeo announcer and recently had success with his first book publishing.

An old-fashioned barn dance will be a part of the event on the 25th at 8:00pm with Chris Bigford providing the entertainment for Winnipeg¡¦s two steppers.

Ticket prices are $9.50 per performance and $5.00 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. They are available in advance at Canada West Boots Factory Outlet, MWG Apparel Factory Outlet, Westgates, and Horse and Co. or at the door at the Red River Exhibition Park. Tickets for the barn dance are $10.00 at the door.