Registration for the Wheat City Stampede kicked off Wednesday with the actual rodeo beginning Thursday and continuing through until Sunday evening at Westman Place. Circle S Ranch and Todd Stiles Memorial Barrel Race starts the Rodeo, Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Westoba Ag Centre Arena. Down the hall at the Main Arena from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. is Ag in the Classroom which is open to all Grade 10 students. The first performance of the Manitoba Finals Rodeo will be hosted at Westman Place’s Main Arena at 7 p.m.

The event which I am most looking forward to has nothing to do with the actual rodeo, but instead with a ‘Party in the Dirt’. Friday’s events begin early with a 6 a.m. registration and continue throughout the day with activities such as rough stock riding, safe horse handling workshop, low stress cattle handling clinic, and Black Baldy Ranch horse competition. The day’s events conclude once again with the Manitoba Finals Rodeo at 7 p.m. However, once the horses have been safely put away for the evening the real party begins with Aaron Pritchett.

The Canadian country superstar is sure to the dirt flying as he fills the dance floor. The Vancouver native is fresh off a tour promoting his 2008 release ‘Thankful’. Pritchett certainly has a lot to be thankful for. His popularity has risen, especially with his recent tour along side Toby Keith. If you haven’t heard his name I am sure you will recognize a few of his tunes like ‘Let’s Get Rowdy,’ ‘The Weight,’ ‘Hold My Beer,’ and his current single ‘Hard to Miss’. Party in the Dirt is sure to be an event to remember so whether you are hoping to make the rodeo or not I strongly suggest you find your way to the dirtiest and best party in town Friday night.

Saturday the Wheat City Stampede continues with the Manitoba Super Horse 50/50 Futurity, Hagan Family performance and ranch horse sale, stock dog trials, fall classic team penning, and another clinic for those interested in low stress cattle handling. Saturday evening will also be the last performance for the Manitoba Finals Rodeo. Once again the animals will be put safely away as we make room for another ‘Party in the Dirt,’ this time with legendary rockers Trooper leading the way.

As I have seen them rock out Westman on more than one occasion, I can promise you that Trooper is a band that never disappoints. With old classics such as ‘Raise a Little Hell,’ ‘3 Dressed up as a 9,’ ‘Money Talks,’ and ‘The Boys with the Bright White Sportscar.’ you can be sure they will play a song or two that will please and perhaps will take you back in time. The energy these guys possess should be bottled and sold. After nearly four decades of touring they haven’t even begun to slow down. It should be a party to remember and a little dirt never hurt anyone.

Sunday the rodeo concludes with the high school rodeo and the award ceremony and banquet from the weekend’s events. For more information contact Manitoba Rodeo Cowboys Association at (204) 571-6618

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On a side note, a big congratulations to the organizers of The Band Jam for Cancer. More than $8,000 was raised this year. Thank you to all of the performers, volunteers, and concert goers for your continued support and hard work.