Senior’s Rodeo receives additional funding, will run May long weekend

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Lynn and Glynnis Turcado appeared as a delegation before town council on April 14 with a sponsorship request for the Canadian Classic Rodeo Association. This year’s senior pro rodeo in Taber will be held on the May long weekend and will run for three days instead of two as in previous years.

 The Turcados asked Taber Town council for $3,000 towards staging the rodeo. Council can allocate from its discretionary fund as it sees fit, and at the start of the day’s meeting, the balance for the 2025 discretionary fund was $23,264.

 The couple said last year’s event received glowing feedback, with the only negative being the 35 degree heat that struck during the third week of July when the rodeo was underway. The weather was a major factor in moving the event into May. This year the Turcados foresee attendees contributing to the local economy over a four or five day stay.

 Last year, the organizers asked contestants to turn in any receipts that they obtained while shopping in Taber to qualify for $400 in prize money. This year’s ‘shop local’ incentive has been upped to $500 and allows contestants to enter their names for the draw every time they spend $25 in town.”

 “We are building off the ideas that we had last year; our goal is to give back to the community,” the couple said in their delegation application. The 2024 rodeo attracted local seniors with invitations to attend a free lunch before taking in the rodeo.

 Mayor Prokop said, “For me, it’s one of the biggest events I always look forward to every year.

“You guys do a great job and it’s very well attended. And just because it’s a senior’s rodeo doesn’t mean it’s not competitive – it’s very competitive.”

 Coun. Brewin was equally encouraging, saying, “Thank you for the fine presentation…it’s really good to see seniors supporting seniors. I really appreciate what you’re doing and it’s good for the community.”

 Brewin put forward a motion to approve the funding and council approved it unanimously.