Cochrane will be rebooting its Western Spirit with the return of the Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo.

Chris Connon, rodeo co-chair and Lions president, says they're ready to roll and fired up for the return of rodeo.

"Oh man, we're glad to be coming back this year. We're planning to bigger and better than ever and hope everybody's ready to get out and enjoy it."

It all kicks off Friday night with the free Slimdor Ranch Rodeo before the FCA rodeo takes over for three days of thrills, spills, and plenty of fun for the whole family.

"For those who have never seen a ranch rodeo, it's interesting. You get to see what they do on the ranch day in, day out," says Chris Connon, rodeo co-chair, and Lions president. "This gives you a chance to experience it."

Gates open at 4 p.m. and the rodeo starts at 5 p.m.

Saturday, the three-day FCA rodeo kicks off with Retro Day. Gates open both Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and the Grand Rodeo Entry is at 12 noon.

Saturday night a barn-burner of a dance will be held outdoors on the rodeo grounds, featuring the premier country-rock band the Backroad Traveler Band. It runs from 7 to 10 p.m. to comply with COVID measures announced today by the provincial government. Tickets are available online or at the gate.

Sunday is 'Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day' in support of cancer survivors and fighters.

The finals are on Monday and start at 1 p.m. to allow time for everyone to enjoy the Labour Day Parade. It's 'Wear Red Day' in support of our military.

Lions Rodeo Queen Breanna Corriea will be highly visible all weekend, and she'll be giving a special thank you performance on Sunday. Monday, she'll be joined by rodeo queens from across the region in the morning parade and the afternoon on the rodeo grounds.

There's a children's zone and plenty of food and refreshments available on the rodeo grounds.

Connon says you can also expect some surprises along the way.

Tickets for the rodeo and dance are available online at Showpass by clicking here. Rodeo tickets are also available at the gate.

A single-day adult pass is $20, it's $10 for seniors, $5 for youth ages 7 to 12, and free for those six and under.

A weekend pass is the best bang for the buck. They're $45 and only available at the gate.

For a full schedule of what's instore go here.