The Leduc Black Gold Pro Rodeo Association regrets to announce that midway rides will not be a feature of the 2016 rodeo weekend which will be taking place June 2-5.

According to Leduc Black Gold Rodeo Association President, Dave Rock, the company slated to supply the midway rides, Wildrose Shows, only recently advised the association of a conflict in their schedule which precluded their involvement with this year's rodeo.

Rock said the issue arose because the ride provider also supplies midway entertainment to another event which falls on the same weekend as the Black Gold Rodeo.

Rodeo weekend has been held during the last weekend in May for the last number of years, however, to accommodate this year's Leduc High School Graduation at the LRC, the association was asked to change their dates. Before settling on the new dates the association leadership made sure that all the service providers had been advised of the new date and could accommodate the change. At the time, the midway contractor indicated they could meet their commitment on the new date.

"This change was decided on last fall between us and the city and when we notified [Wildrose] about the change they said that wouldn't be a problem to provide the rides for that weekend," explained Rock in a Leduc Rep story.

Since Sunday' May 22^nd, when Rock and the volunteer committee learned that the midway cancelled, they have worked tirelessly to try and find a replacement midway company, their efforts were in vain. They are confident, however, the midway will return next year with a different ride contractor. The board has already initiated talks with West Coast Amusements, which is reputed to be the largest midway company in Canada, to bring their thrilling entertainments to the Leduc Black Gold Rodeo in 2017.

The loss of the midway was unfortunate, according to Rock, but there are still tons of varied, fun family events for folks to enjoy over the weekend. These other events include Friday Family Fun Night, the beloved Parade, pancake breakfasts, Saturday night cabaret, the Dance in the Dirt, the busy Trade Show and the Road to Big Valley singing competition running Friday through Sunday. Even the four day rodeo has a new addition; an event featuring young kids on mini-bucking horses which is sure to be a huge hit.

The Rodeo Association is very proud to support the "Alberta Strong" effort for Fort McMurray forest fire evacuees with 300 free tickets available for the Thursday show.

Despite the loss of the midway, the rodeo association is still anticipating a great weekend recognizing the tremendous support they receive from area rodeo fans, volunteers and sponsors alike.

For more information on the weekend and Rodeo events please visit our website www.blackgoldrodeo.com