 | The Upper Canada Rodeo is set to return to Chesterville for a second year from June 15th to 19th. The event is organized by Upper Canada Festivals and Fundraising, a group dedicated to building events and partnerships that promote community, fundraising and local economic development.
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Chesterville - Apr. 27, 2011 - The Upper Canada Rodeo is set to return to Chesterville for a second year from June 15th to 19th. The event is organized by Upper Canada Festivals and Fundraising, a group dedicated to building events and partnerships that promote community, fundraising and local economic development.
The group started out as just a few people wanting to create a festival to raise money for a YMCA. Last year, they helped out a number of non-profit organizations by offering free space to groups such as the Chesterville Lions, Knights of Columbus, House of Lazarus, Happy Face Nursery School, Pathfinders, plus service organizations like the Ontario Early Years, South Nation Conservation and more.
This year a fundraiser for Children's Wish Foundation will be held along with a joint effort to conduct the Steer Away Hunger Food Drive for the House of Lazarus and with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit to run fitness activities.
The Rodeo will be held in various Chesterville locations. On the grounds at Papa Gus' visitors can enjoy Professional Rodeo, NBHA Barrel Racing, English Equestrian Show, Breed Show, Bounce Amusement, SNC Watershed Adventure Programming, Pop Shop All Stars & Company Kids Live Concert and Dance, Live Music, Cowboy Church, Chessfest and more. Throughout the village you will find Art at the Waterfront, boat rentals, quilter displays, and weaving demonstrations. Both the community pool and museum will be open. The museum will be hosting a Titanic Historical Display.
The event is targeted to appeal to the entire family. There is plenty of children's programming including Animal Adventures sponsored by Sunny Acres Barnyard Zoo, Watershed Adventure Programming sponsored by South Nation Conservation, Bounce Amusement (bands sold on site), Kids Concert and Dance, plus many pay per use items.
Organizer Sheila McDonald tells OurHometown.ca that she is very proud of the people she works with in organizing the Rodeo. “They all have great vision and enthusiasm and with them we can only grow and become more incredible each year,” said McDonald.
She went on to say that the event is seeing solid growth along with lots of interest from the community. “Many elements are new this year including the larger focus on activities for children and expanded local horse events and Equine Pavilion,” stated McDonald. “Also, members of the community have come on board to expand the Festival into other areas of town like the activities down at the waterfront and the Township of North Dundas is opening the pool for that weekend, and the museum is opening to showcase local heritage and history.”
Access to the grounds is free on Thursday and Friday, but a Day Pass is required for the Saturday and Sunday where a Professional Rodeo produced by Rawhide Rodeo is held each day. Ticket prices for Saturday and Sunday are free for those two and under, $10.00 for ages 3 to 16 ($5.00 in advance) and $15.00 for those over 17 ($10.00 in advance). Bounce passes are not included. Grounds access includes all shows in the rodeo arena and some other elements like the Animal Adventures and SNC Programming.
The Rodeo is always looking for volunteers, retail/artisan vendors, advertising and partnerships. For more information visit their website at www.uppercanadarodeo.com.
This is an event that you don’t want to miss!
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