The Canadian Rockies International Rodeo (CRIR) running this year from June 29th to July 1st, has always been a popular event.  The organizers – ARGRA – have taken careful steps over the past few years to keep the old standbys and slowly add new ideas. This year they’ve re-branded the event as a rodeo AND music festival.

ARGRA’s Director of Communications, Judy Munson, told us that this year’s rodeo "...has turned into an amazing event, and I have to give kudos to Andrea Katz. She’s been working with Jefferson – our vice president – and they’ve put together an absolutely amazing list of entertainment." With over twenty performers rocking the Showboat stage for thirty hours over the weekend, "...the sad thing is, as a competitor, we’re going to miss a lot of these performers because most of them are performing during the day (and some in the evening)."

This is to make the CRIR even more exciting for everyone. Musical performances are starting in the morning and go until 10pm. "We’re trying to make it a music festival and we’re trying to provide that component along with the rodeo...to draw people who like rodeo and like music both."

Friday’s entertainment will be female soloists, groups, and acts featuring female vocals. From folk to rocking country gals, they’ll kick off the rodeo with bands predominately for the cowgirls. Amazing acts such as Tanyss Nixi, Amy Heffernan, and of course Hashmagandy. Pear will also appear just before they leave to be one of the supporting bands for Reba McEntire.

Saturday is a solid day of Pop and Rock, but also an "anything goes" kind of day. You’ll see Connor James, Jamie Flynn, Kyemara, Magnetic North, Boy & Gurl, and Netty Mac. "Netty Mac is very interesting," Judy told me. "She’s female artist of the year ACMA (Association of Country Music), and she comes with a pretty big following of her own."

The final day of the music festival will be one dedicated to local up and coming country artists. You’ll see Jon Gant, Allison Demeter, Lauren Mayell, Alex Vissia, The Backyard Bettys and the Ruminants performing at various times.

"These are all very talented artists who are bringing a diversity of music and entertainment to our Showboat Stage like we’ve never had.  We are pleased to welcome back some favourites, but the majority of acts you will see this year will be new to you and us.  Our Entertainment Department has outdone themselves on the calibre of acts we’re presenting this year."

Yet the festival is only the start! Last year, a tornado warning truncated the rodeo on Sunday, so this year ARGRA is hoping the new "Tornado Night Club" will blow you away with three great nights of partying. "We’re advertising it as the biggest gay bar in Canada, on the Canada day weekend." It will all be happening in the big hall.  "We also have international gay and lesbian DJs...an amazing 20,000 watt PK sound system and James Kalder’s state of the art lighting. This is going to be huge."

Expect to see the likes of local DJ Goldstar ("...he’s kind of our main guy, he’s the one who’s really spent a lot of time and effort getting this going"), and Jeffery Michael from Vancouver, to name just two. Judy anticipates that, like the musicians, their selection of DJs will bring out fans to the party. Yet it’s not just dance music you’ll hear; Judy assures us there will also some boot-stompin’ country tunes as well. "I think people are really going to be surprised with what’s going on."

Of course, there will still be a lot of the regular standby items that are now part and parcel of the rodeo – such as the GayCalgary Country Carnival, the food vendors, the Town Hall, the Silent Auction, and the camp sites just beside the rodeo grounds. These mainstays haven’t changed, but as usual, if you are interested in booking a space at the Carnival or in the campsite or Town Hall, check out ARGRA’s website ASAP for details, deadlines and fees.

One of the recent additions to the CRIR which has proved quite well-liked is the Rodeo School. It is geared toward beginners who have never competed before and want to learn and possibly compete in certain rodeo events. "It’s our third year of rodeo school. It’s really popular – people are signing up like nuts!" Judy said.  What she finds encouraging is the interest in the rodeo school coming from a lot of new people. "I think our rodeo school is one of the most popular on the circuit." Consequently, if you want to become a "Cowboy/girl in training" register on ARGRA’s website immediately before the deadline or before all the slots are taken.

Finally, Judy wants to give a big shout-out to all the volunteers who make it possible. Especially since the 2012 version of the Canadian Rockies International Rodeo is shaping up to be a party like no other.