Those hungry for another taste of rodeo action following the Calgary Stampede will have an opportunity for more bronc riding at the Berry Creek Ag Society Hardgrass Bronc Match, plus maybe try sampling one of the prairies’ more unique dishes.
The Berry Creek rodeo runs July 27 and 28 in Pollockville, where the top 30 riders from the PRCA and CPRA rodeo associations will square off for a chance at the $30,000 grand prize.
Ag Society secretary Desirae Veno says the fact that some of the best riders across North America will be competing is a huge draw for the event.
“It’s pretty neat that the Americans want to come to our event, being that we are in the middle of nowhere,” Veno said. “We decided a couple years ago that we have Stampede right at our back door so why don’t we have a bronc match right here on the prairie.”
One of the more unique events happening is the prairie oyster cook off event which will see contestants cooking their best dishes of cooked bull testicles to see which testes are the tastiest.
“Branding in our area happens in June where calves are castrated and the testicles are fried up,” says Veno. “People have different recipes with seasonings and spices. It’s all about the butter and seasoning.”
“It’s kind of like chicken nuggets,” she laughs.
This year will also feature an amateur bucking horse event for charity, which will begin the events on Friday evening.
A pancake breakfast will happen Saturday morning, with a trade show featuring western wear and other items happening throughout the day. The branding appreciation event and beer gardens will open at 4 p.m. before a Calcutta auction starting at 5:30 p.m., shortly before the main bronc match rodeo happening at 7 p.m. Saturday.
The event is in its second year and Veno says organizers are expecting up to 1,800-2,000 attendees this year, saying they had about 1,200 last year.