Model T speedsters are returning to race in the 13th annual Bulls and Wagons after last year's first appearance.
"There's more of them coming this year and they're excited about it," organizer Jack Nichol said about the event, adding the arena and track are in good shape.
"It's coming together very well at this point."
The chair of the Bulls and Wagons committee, which is a subcommittee of the Sundre Rodeo and Race Association, recently told the Round Up all of the contracts ó 30 high quality stock bulls are on the docket ó and other major logistical considerations such as sponsor commitments, without whom the event would not be possible, are all lined up.
"We're just now waiting for the big day and hope the weather is going to be nice," he said.
Events get underway with the first performance on the evening of Friday, Aug. 11, followed by an afternoon and evening show on Saturday, Aug. 12 with the final opportunity to catch bull-riding action on Sunday, Aug. 13. The old rally cars will then race around the track after the last rodeo performance.
"We have bull riders from pretty much all over Canada and some from the States," he said, adding there are usually a few cowboy competitors who make the trip all the way from Australia and New Zealand as well.
Although technically classified as more of an amateur event, Bulls and Wagons does have its own following and even draws out some top talent, he said.
"It's not uncommon for us to have a few pro riders attend and ride here too."
Of course there is far more to the annual event than bull riding alone, and rodeo fans can also look forward to chariot races, pony chuckwagon races, a kids' wild pony race as well as an adult wild horse race, wild cow milking and the business calf tying, which pits three-person teams with a business connection against one another in a competition to become the quickest to tie down a calf.
While most of the wagon drivers hail from more than 40 kilometres from Sundre, there will be one local driver ó Dale Young ó who will be competing.
"It's a great event in Sundre," Young, who lives in Eagle Hill but works in Sundre where his children also go to school, told the Round Up.
"Beautiful facility, and usually a great turnout and lots of excitement!"
Other events include the Saturday morning pancake breakfast at the rodeo grounds starting at 8 a.m. as well as a dance at the grounds that will feature live music by Rooster in the Hen House following the evening performance that day.
Nichol said he hopes many fans come out, as organizers aim to put on an event that pleases.
"We do it for them."
Those who do attend will have a chance to participate in the Calcutta draw that offers people a chance to win themselves some money with a portion of the proceeds offsetting rodeo ground maintenance costs, he said.
Visit www.sundrerodeo.com/bullsandwagons for more information, or alternatively, Nichol can be reached by calling 403-638-8255. Anyone who might be interested in lending a helping hand is also encouraged to call.
"We can always find a place for volunteers! Without them, we couldn't do it."
Young, whose children will be involved in the kids' events, invites everybody to come out and cheer on the competitors.
