The Maple Leaf Finals Rodeo returns to Canadian Western Agribition with its opening night happening on Wednesday.

Those in attendance on Wednesday will get into the rodeo for free, thanks to the Mosaic Company.

A total of eight events are scheduled over the next four days, including bareback, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, saddle bronc, tie-down roping, ladies’ breakaway roping, and bull riding.

Marty Kratochvil, the director in charge of the rodeo, said it’s going to be exciting.

“Our numbers coming through the gate on Monday and Tuesday have been up, and I expect to see a lot of people around,” he said. “It’s great entertainment for the money, and everybody, the kids, the clowns, everybody gets to see a really good show.”

Bobbi Henderson from Alix, Alberta, is participating in her first Agribition in ladies’ breakaway roping.

“It’s pretty exciting, and really thankful I get to opportunity,” she said.

Bailey Haines from Marwayne, Alberta, is also competing in ladies’ breakaway roping, which is only in its second year at Agribition.

“This is a really fun event for us. Getting this to be our circuit finals is awesome, especially for the breakaway ropers; it’s a fairly new event so getting to come and showcase our event on a national stage like this is awesome.”

Eighty competitors from Canada and Australia will be competing to take home over $10,000, including seven from Saskatchewan.