What is normally an ice rink in Sydney, N.S., was covered in dirt on Monday. It was load-in day at Centre 200 as preparations began for the first-ever Cape Breton Pro Rodeo set for later this week. “I’ve always known it as the Eagles’ Nest, so they’re allowing us to turn it into a barn this weekend,” said rodeo producer Matt Moore, who calls New Brunswick home. Moore said professional rodeo is something different for Nova Scotia, and transforming a hockey arena into a place cowboys and cowgirls can feel at home is a bit of a challenge, too. He is confident, however, that people who come out to watch will be entertained. “This is an international event, so we have professional bull riding coming - some of the tops in the world,” Moore said. “We’ve got bareback racing, we’ve got bronco riding, over 100 competitors, approximately 120 in total.” “Apparently 60 truckloads of dirt are coming and maybe we’ll need a bit more,” added Paul MacDonald, general manager of Centre 200. That’s how much was required to cover the ice surface where two Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League games were played this past weekend. For Centre 200, the rodeo is the latest in a long list of big events it has hosted in recent years. “We’re pretty much sold out of the full event packages,” MacDonald said. “They are no longer available after today. So, we’ll see a big push hopefully into the weekend.” “We’re booked up - fully booked up this week.” At The Simon Hotel just a couple of blocks away from the venue, cowboy hats in the lobby are becoming a common sight. “It’s always good to get business this time of year when it’s usually slowing down with people going back to school, so it’s nice to see,” said guest services manager Courtney MacLean, adding the hotel is pretty much booked up for the end of the week and the weekend. The rodeo event starts on Thursday with live music and wraps up Sunday with championship competitions. The musical entertainment includes performers like The Sam Roberts Band and Alan Doyle. “The Calgary Stampede - expect that but also expect a Cape Breton spin on it,” Moore said of the upcoming event. “A lot of fiddle music, a lot of craft beer, a lot of great seafood.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
