Ever since ARGRA moved the Canadian Rockies International Rodeo (CRIR) to Strathmore, they consistently keep increasing the "wow" factor to this event. This year’s Rodeo, running June 30th to July 3rd, is no different, with several changes to the entertainment options, ticket packages, sponsorship, and other items.

First, ARGRA slightly tweaked the ticket structure for this year’s rodeo. Besides the traditional 3 day package and the "à la carte" ticket pricing, they’ve introduced two new ticket packages, according to Judy Munson, Communications Director. "One of the big differences is our ticket and package options [offer] considerably more this year." There are two new packages – first off, the Full Bull Package includes all the stuff a 3 day package has, plus it has a Sunday dinner and Friday breakfast, basically covering the entire 4 days.

As well, ARGRA recognized there are a significant number of people who come to CRIR yet don’t attend the rodeo portion – they were there strictly to party and socialize. Consequently, the Party Pack was developed with them in mind. This package gives you admission to the evening dances – Thursday, Friday and Saturday night dances and Sunday’s Award Ceremony & Happy Trails Dance.

Another change is in regards to corporate sponsorship; this year Jack Carter Chevrolet Cadillac has signed on as a premier sponsor – they’ll be providing some of the vehicles for the Grand Entry on Saturday. But event bigger news? "Our title sponsor has changed...it’s now Big Rock (brewery)," Judy enthuses. "The exciting thing for us is that they’re local, and they’re very excited to be working with us." Judy is grateful that they’re taking a bit of a leap – an Alberta brewery sponsoring a gay rodeo. "I hope our people appreciate what they are doing and support them."

There’s also a bigger push on the rodeo midway to promote GLBTQ community organizations, especially with the GayCalgary & Edmonton Country Carnival – an event where local groups are invited to set up a "carnie" style game. Considering there are over 5000 rodeo attendees, this is a great opportunity to create exposure and/or do a little fund-raising while having a whole lot of fun.

Especially since ARGRA has really gone the extra mile this year. In past years, groups have been told to create their own carnival-style game to raise funds, which proved a bit of a challenge for many. Judy tells us that besides the application form, ARGRA’s website has a carnival guide listing the costs, regulations, and information on pre-packaged games. "We actually have games packaged so a non-profit organization can come in and say, we want to do this game, and it’s already put together for them...they just set it up and collect the money."

That being said, if your group has their own ideas for a game, they can still bring it to ARGRA. The rodeo folk just wanted to make this as easy as possible for community groups to raise funds and build awareness.

Furthermore, ARGRA is adding a "Town Hall" feature. This arose from a suggestion brought forward that a number of community service groups might be interested in having a shared area where they would be able to represent their services and offerings to the community. This is an excellent chance for local non-profit organizations to share information about their goals.

Local community groups interested in both the Carnival and Town Hall can get details from ARGRA’s website. Information is free and you might just have a chance to raise funds, awareness and increase your contacts in the community.

"We’re just really trying to involve the entire community," Judy said. "That’s one of the biggest changes in the last couple of years. We’ve gone from ARGRA having a rodeo weekend and everyone participating and having a good time to let’s get as many of our community involved as we can (and have a good time) but also do some fundraising and some education, so we become aware of each other and what everybody’s doing and how we can get involved. I think that’s a real big change for us the last couple years, and I think it’s a real positive change."

If you want to help work for positive change in other ways, ARGRA is looking for CRIR volunteers. "We’re always looking for volunteers and it is a good way to get to know people and get involved,"  she says, adding that there are some people to whom the volunteering portion is just as important and as fun as the rodeo portion.

Finally, there are several items rodeo attendees should sign up for, as they are time-sensitive. For the ticket packages, prior to May 31, there is a discount not only for ARGRA members, but also for advance purchase on ticket packages. ARGRA’s website allows you to do purchases online with Paypal or your credit card.

Advance booking is recommended for campsites so set-up of areas and numbers can be planned, and  to confirm and secure your site. The campsites are $50 CDN for the entire weekend beginning June 30th to July 3rd, 2011.