Students at a couple of schools in Chatham are getting a sneak peek of the upcoming Ultimate Rodeo Tour on Thursday.
The rodeo will be trotting to Pain Court for Crime Stoppers' annual fundraiser at the end of the month. Until then, a cowboy and a horse are amping up excitement for the event by visiting some local students on Thursday.
Students at St. Ursula Catholic School and Georges P. Vanier Catholic School are seeing a performance, as well as getting a lesson in ranch life, and a looking at some history of the rodeo.
David Bakker, police coordinator with Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers, says they're trying to get people to buy their tickets in advance, as the Ultimate Rodeo Tour is their largest fundraiser.
"All the money raised by this event is used by the board to operate the program -- and that includes everything from paying off our tipsters to buying paper in the office," he says.
The annual event usually sees hundreds of people, with approximately 900 attendees last year.
"The show will begin at 6:30pm [on June 30] and it takes approximately two hours in length," he says. "During that time [people] will see events they'd see at The Calgary Stampede, which includes things like barrel racing, bareback and saddle bronc riding, and also bull riding."
Gates to the event will open at 5pm. Bakker adds the rodeo will run "rain or shine."
"The plan is for the event to be over in time for everyone to get back into Chatham for the fireworks," he says.
Tickets can be bought in advance by calling 1888-777-9793. Calling in advance will allow for discounts and family packages. Tickets at the door costs $35.