The Kinsmen Club of St Albert have been running the Rainmaker Rodeo ever since 1965. Over the decades, it has grown into an event that attracts thousands of people from Edmonton and the surrounding area. The 2014 Rainmaker Rodeo and Exhibition takes place from May 23 to May 25 and promises to draw over 25,000 people during the weekend festivities. Here are five reasons everyone should be excited for this year’s event.

1. The Largest Semi-Professional Rodeo in the Province

As the biggest semi-professional rodeo in Alberta, Rainmaker Rodeo draws top competitive talent from the province and elsewhere. During the weekend, they compete in a variety of events, including bull riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, ladies barrel racing, bareback riding, and saddle bronc riding. All the rodeo events have a minimum prize of $1,000, increasing the stakes for the competitors and the audience.

2. The Spectacular Travelling Midway

More than twenty different rides graced the midway last year, courtesy of West Coast Amusements, such as the 50-foot tall Inverter, the high-speed Orbiter and the Million-Dollar Twin-Flip, a unique carnival experience in North America. For entertainment that's more tame without being lame, there was a ferris wheel, super slide, bumper cars, and the Rockin' Tug Boat. In addition to all the rides, the midway has traditional deep-fried carnival food and delicious sweet treats. For those who are exceptionally skilled, the midway also features a variety of games where you can win prizes for your loved ones.

3. Rainmaker Music Festival Draws Big Acts

Along with the rodeo and midway, a series of concerts add another dimension to the already eclectic line-up of entertainment. The 2013 Rainmaker Music Festival featured huge Canadian rock and country bands as headliners, with Finger Eleven performing on the first day and Doc Walker the day after. This year breakout country music star Tim Hicks will headline on Saturday May 24th. He will be joined by Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Michelle Wright. Also playing will be Jake Wright, Sarah Beth Keeley and more.

4. A Great Way to Raise Money for Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations look forward to the Rainmaker Rodeo because of fundraising that benefits community programs and services. Last year more than twenty different organizations benefited from the event, including Cystic Fibrosis Research, Youth Scholarships, St. Albert Scouts, STARS, and various local sports programs. Over the years, more than $4.7 million has been donated to local charities and non-profits.

5. A Fantastic Weekend for the Whole Family

Due to the excellent variety of entertainment offered by the Rainmaker Rodeo, there is something for everyone to enjoy all weekend. If the kids somehow get bored of watching rodeo action, there's always the midway to provide a welcome distraction. After the sun begins to set, the music fest begins, providing adults with a kid-free zone to enjoy. The 49th Rainmaker Rodeo is set to take Alberta by storm, bringing intense rodeo competitions, a dazzling midway, and the Rainmaker Music Fest to the province.

In addition to offering a great time for people of all ages, the event also raises a considerable sum for local charities and non-profit organizations. Before moving to any area, it's always a good idea to consult with local experts to learn about events that add life to a town. Next Up: Do you really need to hire an agent? Find out why you need to consider it here.

Posted by Sarah MacDonald on
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