Red Deer Pro Rodeo: Showing Up for the Community, the Western Way

Red Deer Pro Rodeo: Showing Up for the Community, the Western Way

 

Rooted in Red Deer for over 70 years. 📍 We are incredibly proud to be a Diamond Sponsor for this year’s Red Deer Pro Rodeo, the first Pro Rodeo to return to our city in over 20 years! For us, this is more than a sponsorship; it’s a way to say thank you to the community that has supported Wei’s Western Wear for seven decades. From custom Red Deer Pro Rodeo merch to the perfect pair of Wranglers, we’ve got everything you need to hit the stands in style. Stop by in-store or shop the collection online. Let’s make this return one to remember! 🐎
@weiswesternwear Rooted in Red Deer for over 70 years. 📍 We are incredibly proud to be a Diamond Sponsor for this year’s Red Deer Pro Rodeo, the first Pro Rodeo to return to our city in over 20 years! For us, this is more than a sponsorship; it’s a way to say thank you to the community that has supported Wei’s Western Wear for seven decades. From custom Red Deer Pro Rodeo merch to the perfect pair of Wranglers, we’ve got everything you need to hit the stands in style. Stop by in-store or shop the collection online. Let’s make this return one to remember! 🐎 #prorodeo #reddeerprorodeo #cowboy #reddeer #weiswesternwear ♬ original sound - Wei's Western Wear

 

 

You know how some things just feel right? That’s what this year feels like for Wei’s Western Wear and the Red Deer Pro Rodeo. Rodeo has always run deep in Central Alberta, and Red Deer used to be part of that tradition. After more than two decades without a Pro Rodeo here, it’s exciting to finally see it return.

For over 70 years, Red Deer has always had our backs, so when we first heard about the Pro Rodeo making its comeback to our city, we didn’t just sign up to help at the rodeo, we went all in as one of their Diamond sponsor. Stepping into this major role felt less like a decision; it felt more like a responsibility.

“We are a Western Wear company,” says Cynthia, Downtown Store Manager. “So for us to have that influence, from the designs we create to the merchandise we offer for the Red Deer Pro Rodeo, it just made sense.”

As a Diamond sponsor, we are also the official clothing sponsor of the event, outfitting the infield crew, the volunteers, and the staff who help bring the rodeo to life behind the scenes. It’s a presence that’s both visible and meaningful, sewn into the experience from the ground up.

Rooted in Red Deer

This partnership hits close to home. “With us being a local Red Deer company for the last 70 years, it’s a great way for us to join the community and put on this amazing event,” she says. “It’s something that features so many great local businesses.”

The rodeo isn’t just an event; it’s a place where the Western community comes together, where tradition meets new energy, and where local stories continue to be written. As David Harvey, committee member of the Red Deer Pro Rodeo, shared during our interview, Red Deer feels like the natural home for a professional rodeo. It’s a true rodeo community at heart, and bringing the event back here reflects that connection in a meaningful way.

@weiswesternwear The Wrangler brass said it themselves: "I wish I had a million Wei's stores to operate." 🤠 David Harvey has been part of the rodeo world since the late 80s and Wei's has been with him every step of the way. He was a bullfighter — the guy who runs TOWARD the bull to protect fallen riders — and Wei's outfitted him for every single one of those moments. Now he's on the Red Deer Pro Rodeo committee helping bring it back after several years of silence. Hear his story firsthand. We hope to see you at the rodeo this week! 🥳 ℹ️The Red Deer Pro Rodeo takes place May 21–23 at the Marshant Crane Centrium @Westerner Park #rodeo #bullfighter ♬ Western Country Rock - 佚名

Supporting the People Behind the Sport

Supporting riders, many of whom have long-standing relationships with the store, is another way the brand stays connected to the heart of rodeo.

“A lot of the time, we’ve known these riders for years,” Cynthia explains. “They’ve shopped here, their families have shopped here. And when we get to support them, it’s about helping them achieve their goals.”

One of those riders is Blayde Melaney, a calf roper competing at this year’s Red Deer Pro Rodeo. Wei’s first sponsored Blayde when he was just nine years old. Today, that relationship has come full circle as he competes in the pro rodeo circuit.

As part of that continued support, Wei’s has outfitted Blayde for the season while also providing financial sponsorship to help cover the costs that come with competing at a high level.

Rodeo athletes live a demanding, fast-moving lifestyle, travelling across provinces and competing week after week. For Wei’s, even a small part in that journey matters.

“If we can help push them through it just that little bit, that’s a great feeling.” - Cynthia

It’s not just about performance, it’s about character. Passion for the sport, pride in presentation, and representing the Western way of life all play a role in who Wei’s chooses to stand behind.

Getting Rodeo Ready

Of course, no rodeo story is complete without the right outfit.

For first-time attendees, Cynthia keeps it classic: “Wrangler all the way. A great shirt, a solid pair of jeans, and boots from Boulet or Ariat, and you’re good to go.”

A look like the Wrangler 20X Competition Active Flex jeans paired with a vintage-inspired Wrangler Brushpopper shirt and a classic pair of Boulet square-toe cowboy boots is exactly the kind of timeless Western outfit that fits right in at the rodeo—comfortable, authentic, and built for a full day at the grounds.

For those looking to lean into the moment, Wei’s has also released a dedicated Red Deer Pro Rodeo collection, featuring exclusive merchandise designed for the event. From custom quarter-zips to everyday Western staples, it’s built for showing up rodeo-ready.

And for Cynthia herself? She’s all in.

“My new Pro Rodeo merchandise,” she says with a laugh.

More Than a Moment

At its core, Wei’s involvement in the Red Deer Pro Rodeo is about more than one weekend. It’s about showing up for the community, for the culture, and for the next generation of Western living.

When asked to sum up Wei’s in a single sentence, Cynthia keeps it simple:

“Family, community, leadership.”

And at the rodeo this year, all three are on full display. So whether you’re a lifelong fan or heading to your first event, pull on your boots and make it a Wei’s outfit. We’ll see you at the rodeo.

Shop the Red Deer Pro Rodeo Collection →

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