The 65th annual Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo gallops back into Innisfail this weekend, promising three days of professional rodeo action, new attractions, and a parade through downtown. Running June 11 to 13 at the Daines Ranch seven kilometres north of town on the C&E Trail, the event is one of Central Alberta’s longest-running rodeo traditions.
Rodeo fans can expect a full lineup of events sanctioned by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, ladies barrel racing, and more. The arena, which can hold over 2,000 spectators, is set to welcome competitors and visitors from across the region.
New this year is Bulls and Brews, a Saturday afternoon feature starting at 12:30 p.m. on June 13. The event adds a fresh twist to the rodeo’s family-friendly atmosphere, which already includes food vendors and Western entertainment. Before the afternoon action, the Innisfail Rotary Pro Rodeo Parade will make its way through downtown at 10:30 a.m.
The Town of Innisfail continues its support with an annual $2,500 sponsorship, a commitment that has been in place since 2022. Organizers say the rodeo brings an economic boost to the community, with visitors filling up their tanks and picking up groceries while in town.
The Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo was founded in 1961 by saddle bronc rider Jack Daines and his brothers. Jack Daines went on to become a legendary promoter and announcer, earning induction into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. He passed away in December 2021 at age 85, but the rodeo lives on under the leadership of the next generation of the Daines family, including Kyle and Danny Daines.
In 2024, the event drew more than 700 entries from across North America and thousands of spectators. The 2026 edition looks to build on that momentum, offering a quintessential Alberta experience just a short drive from Innisfail.
