Truro's loss is CBRM's gain: pro rodeo coming to Sydney this fall

Truro’s loss becomes Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s gain as professional rodeo heads to Sydney this fall. After Truro organizers declined to host the event again, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality jumped at the chance, highlighting Cape Breton’s farming and livestock heritage as a natural fit. Mayor Cecil Clarke said Sydney’s mix of lobster fishing, fiddle music, and Western identity could attract visitors with direct WestJet flights from Calgary. Promoter B.J. Prince of Rawhide Rodeo Company noted the Western lifestyle market has grown and aims to take the show to other Maritime communities. Inside Centre 200 in Sydney, the rodeo will include bull and bronc riding and roping, with an outdoor stage featuring Adam Baldwin, Mary Frances Leahy, Sam Roberts, High Valley, Doc Walker, and Alan Doyle from Sept. 24 to 27. The Nova Scotia Stampede is hosted by the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Society, which operates the Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro but stepped back this year due to capacity. Prince stressed animal-care transparency and invited questions about the welfare of rodeo livestock. Clarke hopes the event will also feature politicians flipping pancakes to engage the community.