The population of Sundre more than tripled this weekend.
Roughly 10,000 people came for the 37th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo. Those numbers have more than doubled since 2001, according to figures the Round Up reported at the time with an attendance of almost 5,000 that had then set a record.
That means thousands more Sundre visitors are getting gas, grabbing groceries, trying out the local restaurants, checking out all the businesses that cater to outdoor recreation and perhaps even finding somewhere to stay.
Meanwhile, although Calgary has hundreds of thousands of visitors for the Stampede, the city's population doesn't swell more than threefold for that event. So looking at it from that point of view, the Sundre Pro Rodeo seems to be making quite a name for itself as a destination event, which has the beneficial result of also providing a major economic boost to the entire community.
From an impressive parade and an extensive lineup of professional rodeo talent, as well as top-quality stock to midway rides, mini donuts and special performances by groups such as this year's Lord Strathcona's Horse Troop all wrapped up with a fireworks show, Sundre's main event leaves little to be desired.
"I like rodeos in general — it's very Canadian, it's very Albertan. It's a type of a lifestyle, and I like to experience it and be a little part of it," said Hilke Beuck, who's lived in Sundre since 2007 and has taken in the show before.
"It's all professional, so you get the best of the best here," she told the Round Up on her way to photograph Saturday's evening program.
And the parade and rodeo are easily accessible to everyone. Granted, there's a bit of congestion following the parade, but that pales in comparison to the Calgary Stampede during peak hours — getting packed like sardines into train cars in summer heat is absolutely the most pleasant experience of all time, said no one ever. However, getting out and enjoying some fresh country air never hurt anyone, and certainly boasts far more appeal.
"We really enjoy it," said Elisse Bagnall, who came to spend some time in Westward Ho from Leduc with her husband Lloyd Bagnall and their grandson Easton Bagnall, 2, from Thorsby. She added Sundre's rodeo offers plenty to do without worrying about navigating the dense claustrophobic crowds that are common at the Stampede.
"We can go to the parade and just set up our seat and we don't have to get there at five in the morning. It's great," she said.
Easton had never before been to a rodeo or fair, and he got to experience his first amusement park rides at the Sundre Pro Rodeo without spending a near eternity in a seemingly never-ending queue.
"It's better than the Stampede," said Elisse.
