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By DANIEL LOCKE | Staff Writer

CALERA – The city of Calera is only one week away from hosting the inaugural Calera Stampede, a parade and rodeo that will take place at the Calera Courtyard on Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18.

The weekend will feature two nights of professional rodeo action produced by 3R Rodeo, the parade and plenty of opportunity to have fun as a family.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. both nights, with mutton bustin’ for the children beginning at 6 p.m. The main event rodeo will get underway at 7 p.m. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to visit the Calera Corral, which will feature food trucks and vendors selling a wide variety of products—including western gear—inside the gates.

The festivities will resume at 10 a.m. on Saturday with a parade through Calera’s historic downtown. An all-day festival will follow, filling Main Street with live music, local food options, craft vendors and plenty of western-themed activities to keep attendees of all ages occupied.

Additionally, the Calera Stampede Car Show, a free event that is open to all car enthusiasts, will take place on Saturday. Registration will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., judging and viewing will begin at 11 a.m. and last until 1 p.m. and awards will be given at 2 p.m.

The festival will conclude at 4 p.m., giving ample time to prepare for the second evening of the rodeo.

“This is the biggest production we’ve ever tackled as a Main Street community, and we can’t wait to see downtown come alive with the sights and sounds of the Stampede,” said Alicia Anderson, event coordinator for Calera Main Street. “We’re still finalizing some exciting pieces, but mark your calendars now—you won’t want to miss it.”

Tickets, $20, can be purchased at Eventeny.com/company/caleramainstreet.

Calera Main Street is still in search of volunteers. Free tickets will be available for all volunteers.

For those interested in purchasing a vendor booth, applications can be filled out at eventeny.com. Each booth costs $75. Specific types of vendors wanted include, but are not limited to, handmade goods, boutique items, art, candles, home décor, jewelry and baked treats.

For updates and more information, visit downtowncalera.org or find Calera Main Street on Facebook.