Danielle Varga is in her second go-around participating in the Calgary Stampede’s 4-H Rodeo.

The member of the Morrin, Alberta 4-H Multi-Club says it was her friends who convinced her to come out last year, a decision she has not regretted.

“I really enjoyed it, so I keep coming back,” she said.

There is a lot of excitement in Varga’s voice as she talks about the skills she learns and the friends she makes during the two days of clinics and competition.

“It is great, the rodeo is great, it’s just a great family to be a part of.”

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Meanwhile, Garrett Bertamini from Acme, Alberta and a member of the Irricana 4-H Club is at his first Calgary Stampede 4-H Rodeo looking to compete in the steer riding event.

While It may be his first time here, he is no stranger to competing as he is a three-year veteran of steer riding at other events during the winter and spring. His riding schedule is so busy, it has kept him away from the event in previous years.

He hopes he will be able to ride this experience into another event.

“When I’m done with steers, I’m hoping to move into bareback riding, said Bertamini adding, I just feel rodeo is taking me places I haven’t been before.”

There are about 90 participants, like Varga and Bertamini, soaking in the two-day event this weekend down on the Stampede grounds.

The Calgary Stampede 4-H Rodeo is in its 21st year.