Grab your cowboy hats and boots, Cochrane is about to enjoy a robust rodeo season that begins on the May Long Weekend.

The Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Association (CSPRA) is kicking off the season, May 18-19, at the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Grounds and it's the first time they've been here in a couple of decades.

The draw has been set and 130 contestants will be competing both days. There's a full lineup of rodeo events, from bull riding to roping to barrel racing. It also includes the ribbon roping event that's unique to the pro-senior circuit.

Contestants are largely from southern Alberta but there's also a contingent from the United States, including a bull rider from North Carolina.

CSPRA president Ken Ullery, a well-known Cochrane cowboy, says they are excited to return to the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Grounds.

"It’s the first one in quite some time and we’re really happy that Cochrane decided to have one. Kudos to the Lions Club for putting it on with all their volunteer help."

Ullery is a well-known pro bull rider that hails from Cochrane. These days he competes in team roping and continues to compete in the Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo where it all started for him.

The term senior is a bit misleading. They may be 40 or over but they are seasoned competitors who put down some impressive times. Among them are some former Canadian champions.

"Most of them have been rodeoing all their life and this is the next stage where they can compete really well again against similar people and not against 20-year-olds," explains Michelle Atwood, of the CSPRA. "All of these people are pretty good; they’re pretty handy."

From a tourism and business perspective, they also plant roots for a few days and take time to enjoy the town's amenities.

"Our contestants will come and they stay for three or four days," says Atwood. "It's a really nice little draw for towns, they get a lot of business out of it. Our group likes to go out and celebrate afterwards."

Kevin Firkus, Lions Club rodeo co-chair, says its the 53-year heritage of rodeoing in the heart of Cochrane that makes it a popular destination.

"They like the history and a lot of them have competed here in their amateur and pro careers," says Firkus. "They really like the setting in the downtown area. We haven't had this rodeo for 20 years and all the contestants are excited to be coming back to Cochrane."

The rodeo starts both days at 1 p.m. and will run until about 5 p.m. Admission is just $5 each day and it's free for children 12 and under.

Saturday night's dance will be an enjoyable bash in the same vein as the Lions Spring Barn Dance. The JR Kaquitts Band will be keeping the place hopping. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the band comes on at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $20 and tickets will be available at the door.

The senior pro season will include 12 rodeos leading up to the CSPRA finals in Claresholm, Oct. 17-20. It opened its season in High River in late April.

The rodeo season here continues with the Average Joe Rodeo on July 13. The Calgary Police Rodeo returns Aug 10, followed by the 53rd annual Cochrane Lions Club Labour Day Weekend Rodeo, Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.

Regular barrel racing events are also being held throughout the summer at the grounds with the first one scheduled for tonight, May 9.

Rodeo sponsorship opportunities are available. Email cochranerodeo@gmail.com for more information.