REGINA — After postponing last year’s event, organizers and fans alike are ready to get back in the saddle this November for the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Western Agribition.
Organizers are promising an “unforgettable” return from the famous show, which will take over the exhibition grounds in Regina beginning on Nov. 22 to Nov. 27.
“With five decades under its belt buckle, CWA is determined to put on an unforgettable show, featuring the return of popular events, new must-see entertainment and the very best beef cattle anywhere in the world,” said a statement from CWA.
The Burning of the Brand ceremony will kick things off at 10 a.m., followed by a free pancake breakfast until noon.
Throughout the following five days, plenty of fan-favourite features will be back, including the Maple Leaf Finals Rodeo from Nov. 24-27, welcoming the country’s best rodeo athletes to compete for the 2021 title of circuit champion.
Organizers are also pleased to announce the addition of ladies breakaway roping to the rodeo lineup, featuring the top skills in the sport.
In addition to the numerous livestock competitions, the CWA will also host the first-ever Agribition BBQ Supreme grill competition, where top grill-masters will compete as a qualifier to move on to the world championship grill-off in Kansas City.
Jousting events will also be back, as Cirque de Medieval returns with sword fighting, jousting, and birds of prey events. The annual trade show will be on display as well, with over 300 vendors.
Celebrity appearances are also on the schedule, with Amber Marshall — star of the hit TV show Heartland — to meet fans and make an appearance at the Maple Leaf Finals Rodeo.
YouTuber Quick Dick McDick, nine-year-old Mady Adamson from “Learning About Ag with Mady”, and podcasters Ted Stovin and Wacey Anderson, from Cowboy Sh*t will also make appearances.
To wrap up the excitement, the annual Party on the Dirt cabaret will finish out the weekend, with a working mechanical bull, DJ and dancing.
COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place at all events, said organizers, including adherence to all active public health orders.
Attendees, vendors and competitors will be required to provide proof they are vaccinated or a negative COVID-19 test result to attend events this year.
Masks will also be required in indoor spaces, with the exception of small children under age 2 or those with a medical exemption.
Organizers will be watching for changes in provincial health orders and making adjustments accordingly, in the weeks leading up to the first day of the event.
Tickets for the 2021 Agribition are already on sale, available for purchase through the CWA office in Regina, the Brandt Centre box office, or online at agribition.com.
Additionally, due to generous donors, gate admission for the first day of Agribition and the first night of rodeo events will be free to the general public.
A full schedule of events can be found online, alongside more information about entry requirements for any livestock shows and details about COVID-19 policies.
