Exeter saddles up for 28th annual rodeo

By Dan Rolph

A local staple will be back in Exeter next month, bringing two days of rodeo action, entertainment and community spirit to the South Huron Recreation Centre’s Rodeo Arena.

Running from Aug. 8 to 9, the Exeter RAM Rodeo will feature all the favourite rodeo competitions, including bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding and more.

Laura Goulding of the rodeo committee said the annual event is one that attracts everyone from sports enthusiasts to animal lovers. She said it’s that broad appeal that fills the stands and adds electricity to the experience.

“It’s incredible the number of people who come out,” she said. “Each year we’ve had such incredible attendance, and that’s really part of what makes the event so fantastic. People are coming and experiencing this either for the first time or the 28th time. The reason is that it’s a fantastic event.”

The Exeter RAM Rodeo has a long-running history in the community, and Goulding said it is one of Ontario’s longest-running rodeos. She said Exeter’s convenient position as a crossroads in the region while being a rural community that understands animals and livestock makes it the perfect place for the event.

“It’s long running and there’s a reason for it. It’s highly entertaining,” she said. “We’re the home of the white squirrel, but we’re also the home of the rodeo. That means a lot to a lot of people.”

With this year’s rodeo bringing back challenging events like saddle bronc riding, Goulding said the rodeo is always a display of skill from the riders and the animals. She said the trick riders who will be performing during the rodeo are another highlight, combining speed, balance and trust with their horses to put on a thrilling show for the crowd.

“Those guys know what they’re doing,” she said. “That communication level between the rider and the horses is just incredible. If it didn’t happen well, people would be falling off horses all over the place.

“There’s so much preparation that goes into this.”

The gates will open for this year’s rodeo on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 2 p.m. The main event is slated to start at 4 p.m., but attendees will have access to the beer tent and the market with more than 16 vendors as the gates open.

Goulding said the rodeo’s market has become a perfect opportunity for local businesses to find their footing and test ideas with the community.

“It’s kind of like having a farmer’s market and a rodeo all in one,” she said.

The rodeo ring will also see the return of the free kids rodeo hosted by the Canadian Cowgirls, starting at 2:30 p.m. Also returning this year is Seaforth musician Connor Wilson, who will be entertaining crowds at the beer tent.

“He’s fun, he sounds fantastic and he plays for the crowd,” she said.

The Sunday event is set to be just as exhilarating as Saturday, with the gates opening at 11 a.m. The kids rodeo will start at 11:30 a.m., while the rodeo performance will hit the ring at 1 p.m.

Tickets at the gate will cost $35 for adults, $20 for youth and $5 for children 5 and under. Tickets can also be purchased ahead of time at Exeter Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Delta Power Equipment or online at a reduced price.

For more information about the Exeter RAM Rodeo, visit ramrodeoontario.com.