Whether you’re a hardcore rodeo fan or a casual observer, there’ll be someone to cheer on at this year’s Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo, scheduled for Sept. 1-2 in Merritt.

Some of the top Canadian Professional Rodeo Association cowboys and cowgirls are slated to compete in one or more of their specialties.

Heading the list of ‘well-knowns’ are Straws Milan from Cochrane and Rylan Geiger from Duchess. The two Alberta cowboys are currently ranked number one on the Wrangler Pro Tour in steer wrestling and saddle bronc respectively.

Two more Wrangler number ones scheduled to compete in Merritt are Shane Hanchey from Sulphur, Louisiana in tie-down roping and barrel racer Cranna Roberts from Lacombe, Alberta.

While Merritt’s own top-ranked Ty Pozzobon will be unable to make the bull riding event at this year’s Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo due to commitments to the PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series in Oklahoma, second place Denton Edge from Marwayne, Alberta is slated to ride on Sunday.

Despite the absence of Pozzobon, there’ll be plenty of other local rodeo competitors to get excited about.Ty’s sister, Amy, as well as both Morgan and Fallon Fosbery and Katie Garthwaite are all entered in the ladies’ barrel event.

The Nicola Valley’s Spencer Rutherford and his partner, Chase Simpson from Claresholm, AB will be competing in team roping on Sunday.

Expect to see Jorry Holmes from Douglas Lake and several other local cowboys in the ranch hand saddle bronc competition and just maybe a few more homeboys in the wild cow milking.