RIVER CITY ROUNDUP!
Edmonton kicked off River City Roundup with a cattle drive through downtown streets on Saturday morning.
Spectators lined the route from 108th Street east down 102nd Avenue to Churchill Square, clapping and waving as a parade of horseback riders, a stagecoach, massive farm equipment pulled by a 10-horse hitch and a compliment of veterans and military trucks rolled through the downtown.
Some 40 cowboys moved 100 head of Corriente steers along the parade route and into the temporary corral set up in front of the Alberta Art Gallery on Sir Winston Churchill Square. A barbecue and live entertainment followed.
The cattle drive kicked off the River City Roundup, a 10-day agricultural themed festival timed to coincide with the Canadian Finals Rodeo and Farmfair International.
The drovers were made up of pro cowboys in town to compete at the Canadian Finals Rodeo plus cattle-savvy guests – including popular columnist and broadcaster, Hugh McLennan, who is in town as a presenter as well as the colour commentator for the sold-out Heritage Ranch Rodeo.
It is the second time cattle have been herded through downtown. The first cattle drive was held six years ago.
It is now expected to be an annual event, said roundup co-chair Jackie-Rae Greening. For a full listing of events, visit www.northlands.com