by Julia Finot
On a warm August weekend, the sound of horses, music and cheering fills the southern Alberta town of Pincher Creek. Tucked among tall trees along the Pincher Creek, the grounds are in the heart of the town—a fitting location for an event that has become intertwined with the community’s identity.
For three days, the town’s long history comes alive not only through the pro rodeo events, but also through its children’s competitions, musical performances and resident gatherings. The town has held the pro rodeo since 1993 but the rodeo tradition dates back to the 1800’s.
Where it began
The story dates to the late 1870’s, when horses were brought into the Pincher Creek area alongside the North-West Mounted Police. The Mounties established ranches in the region because it was close to one of their Alberta posts in Fort MacLeod.
As more police ranches were established, the surrounding community grew. The Pincher Creek and greater area consists of prime farmland and ample grazing which attracted farmers and ranchers. The regions’ agricultural holdings grew and encouraged more stockmen to move into the area.
It was not long before friendly competition found its way to southern Alberta culture.
In 1891, residents gathered on the property of John Herron, a North-West Mounted Police officer and soon to be member of Parliament. Neighbours and their stock competed against one another in what was believed to be the area’s first rodeo.
This event began to be an annual community tradition. Residents across southern Alberta traveled to Pincher Creek to compete. During the early days, most rodeos were held on celebratory summer holidays like Dominion Day.
After the First World War, the Pincher Creek community took a large step to establishing a permanent rodeo with the creation of the Pincher Creek Agricultural Society. The organization constructed a formal rodeo grounds, central to the area where they held previous rodeo and agricultural competitions. The centralized grounds allowed for more accommodation for contestants who weren’t local to the area.
Building the pro rodeo
Long before the Pincher Creek Rodeo became a CPRA event, Rod Sinclair was one of the area residents who made the pro rodeo possible.
The Pincher Creek local spent years competing in bareback, steer wrestling and team roping before retiring from competition in 1985. However, his rodeo career was far from over.
In 1980, Sinclair took over as the Pincher Creek Rodeo chairman from Blaine Marr. He would hold the position for the next 20 years, overseeing some of the most impactful changes to the rodeo.
The most significant change came in 1987. The Pincher Creek Agriculutral Society wanted to upgrade their rodeo arena. The rodeo committee raised $52,000 through local fundraising and provincial grants.
Sinclair met with Hi-Hog Farm and Ranch Equipment to design a brand-new arena in hopes of growing their rodeo. In a week, Sinclair and three others completely tore down the old arena. Hi-Hog came in and with the help of the committee, the new arena was set up in two and a half days.
Even with the fundraising efforts, the committee was force to make cuts to the original design plan. The rodeo sold their old arena equipment to help cover costs, but they could not save every design detail.
“We had to go as far as putting up a five rail perimeter fence instead of a six rail,” explained Sinclair.
Despite the budget cuts, Pincher Creek was one of the first local rodeos to introduce a herringbone system in the timed events, which improved stock efficiency and resembled a pro event set up.
After the new arena was built, many Canadian Pro Rodeo (CPRA) committees approached Sinclair about transitioning to a pro event. Pincher Creek was recognized for having one of the best arenas at the time, and although it was not an easy decision for the committee, the board ultimately decided to make the switch over to the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.
The rodeo grounds now sit on the banks of the Pincher Creek, and what makes this location unique is that the grounds are situated within the city limits. As this event is important to the residents, it was important to keep the rodeo close to the community.
“The rodeo is tucked right up against the Pincher Creek itself,” said Sinclair. “It’s a very scenic, very cozy little location.”
Since Sinclair, there have been a number of chair people involved in the rodeo, among them Larry French, Tom Barr, Blaine Marr once again, Patti Lively, Dr. Bob Ruckman and for the last several years, Lynn and Mike Lievers. Much of the Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo committee has remained consistent over the years.
“There have been a lot of people over the years and a lot of hard work to get where they are now,” said Sinclair. ” These folks are doing an exceptional job.”
135 years of rodeo
The annual Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo, held on the third weekend of August, is a celebration built by the community, for the community. Volunteers are at the center of the event, graciously giving their time to continue to aid and improve the quality of the event.
“I suppose I’m a little biased, but I think (Pincher Creek) is one the best, if not the best small committee rodeo,” said Sinclair.
The rodeo is also a way for the community to honour its roots.
From the pro events to the cabaret, the Band in the Sand performance to the Western Artisan Market; the weekend offers something for more than rodeo fans. For chairwoman Lynn Lievers, that is exactly what the event is meant to do.
“We want everyone to come and enjoy it, from toddlers all the way up to their grandparents,” said Lievers.
Pincher Creek was built on ranching and farming, and Lievers said the residents take a lot of pride in celebrating their town. From the annual porch decorating competition to high school reunions, there is no shortage of community fun.
The town’s history has created an expectation of what the rodeo should feel like when people enter the grounds.
“Our fans in our community expect a certain vibe when they get here,” said Lievers. “We try to maintain that.”
This year, Pincher Creek celebrates 33 years as a CPRA event, but the tradition began long before the professional rodeo ever arrived. For the past 135 years, the people in Pincher Creek gathered their horses and competed. While the arena may continue to change and the people leading it may move on, there is a reason why so many keep coming back.
