The largest rodeo tour in Eastern Canada is coming to ODAS Park this weekend.
The Severn RAM Rodeo kicks off Saturday, when gates open at noon. The touring rodeo will put on a second show Sunday, with gates opening at 11 a.m.
Rodeo president Ross Miller says about 150 cowboys and cowgirls follow the tour and compete for up to $200,000 in prize money.
“It features many of the main events of rodeo,” he said, noting those include ladies' barrel racing and pole bending, junior bull riding, adult bull riding, bucking horses, and the Canadian Cowgirls, a precision drill team that travels throughout North America.
“There is really something for everybody,” Miller said. “It’s a regular rodeo and it’s competitive.”
The event will raise funds for the Orillia and District Agricultural Society.
“Hopefully, they are going to make money,” he said. “The profits will go toward helping upkeep the park and their agriculture society.”
Miller says ticket sales have been tremendous.
“They have been selling like mad,” he said. “They (the Orillia and District Agricultural Society) are excited about that.”
Two hours before each show, children are welcome to play rodeo games in the arena. Fans will also have an opportunity to tour behind the scenes of the rodeo and meet some of the participants. The event also includes a beer tent.
“It’s a great family atmosphere,” Miller said.
Tickets cost $30 for adults, $15 for youth and $5 for children five and younger. A $5 discount is given to those who purchase tickets online. Tickets are still available and they can be purchased here.
