The Stavely Pro Rodeo kicks off May 11 for three days of dirt in your face.

You can't get any closer to the action unless you are competing.

Organizer Kelly Hall says the rodeo is one of the first of the season.

"So everyone is happy, healthy and ready to ride," said Hall. "We are thrilled with the contestants and thrilled with our fans."

This year is the 60th edition of the rodeo.

"It is really special to us because we are a small town rodeo and it is completely volunteer driven."

And over 60 years it takes a lot of volunteers to put on a show like this and they have had three and four generations of family members come out to lend a hand.

Hall says they are also honouring some special people.

Harry Vold, who recently passed away along with Eddie Cochlan, will be honoured and recognized after they decided in the 1950's Stavely should have a real rodeo in the community.

"So we are excited about that."

And they are honouring bull rider Glen Keeley, who was killed on March 24, 2000,  for his recent induction into the Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Other highlights include a ladies night, where the ladies get treated extra special, on Thursday.

Hall adds the rodeo action is always a good show.
 
"Because we are early, we will have a fair number of American cowboys up which is always really good. And we will end up seeing some of those guys who will be in the Calgary Stampede," said Hall.

The rodeo goes May 11, 12 and 13 with performances going at 7:00 p.m. and slack events earlier in the day.

There is also a steak supper every night, with entertainment after the rodeo and Saturday night the arena is turned around in 20 minutes and a dance is put on.

"Stavely is very much a community minded orientated place and when it comes to getting something done, it gets done."

"Our rodeo does draw great crowds. We have lots of new fans and we have fans that have been here for 60 years. And it draws the best contestants."