A new venue will make its debut this year at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair.
"Rodeo Reds" is set to open in the Show Barn—right next to the Longhorn Saloon.
“If you know, you know,” said Rick Hugh. “It’s an extension of the Longhorn—along the lines of what we used to do with Boots and Buckles years ago when the B.C. Country Music Association used to put artists in there.”
Hugh, 1st vice-president of the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association, was tight-lipped with information about the venue, but did say Rodeo Reds is the brainchild of new rodeo producer Kynan Vine. Vine has hosted “Reds” at the other rodeos he’s produced across the continent.
“So, there will be music in there and it will have more of a relaxed vibe,” Hugh added.
He noted patrons will need to use their Longhorn ticket to gain entrance to Rodeo Reds.
According to an information sign-up page on cloverdalerodeo.com, Rodeo Reds will be a “Western speakeasy."
"In true speakeasy style, the location is still a bit of a secret, but you found this page, so we can give you a clue: it’s next door to the Agriplex, and attendees can access it after they enter the Longhorn," the sign-up page revealed. "This is the place where rodeo contestants and VIPs will call home after hours, and pop-up performances by some of our artists and headliners might be in the cards."
A source familiar with Rodeo Reds, spoke the Cloverdale Reporter on condition of anonymity and revealed several details. They said "Reds" would be open from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. each night and noted the entrance would be located through the back barn door on the Show Barn's north side.
"(People) will have to enter via the Longhorn's main entrance, head outside to the Food Truck area, and find the door to Rodeo Reds," they said. "The door won't really be hidden, but there won't be directional signage."
The source also revealed there'd be three live performances each night. Between acts, a DJ will spin tracks.
"The dance floor is the centrepiece of the space and the rest of Rodeo Reds will be set up with high-tops, cruiser tables, and open areas to encourage a mix-and-mingle experience," the source added. "There is also a VIP area for contestants, headliners, and VIP attendees, but there isn't a VIP ticket option in Rodeo Reds."
The Show Barn is right next to the Longhorn (Agriplex). Longhorn ticket holders will be able to access Rodeo Reds with the same ticket. and while entrance to Reds is included with a Longhorn ticket, numbers will be limited to 250 people. This contrasts with the raucous nature of the Longhorn’s 3,000-person capacity.
The source expects Rodeo Reds to fill up quickly each night.
“It’s still a ‘secret’ venue,” they added. “But people will likely have to show up early.”
Rodeo Reds has a sign-up page on cloverdalerodeo.com where rodeo- and fair-goers can enter their email address to get details on Reds as it is released.
The doors to the Longhorn open on May 16 at 6 p.m.
For more info on the 77th Cloverdale Rodeo and the 134th Country Fair, visit cloverdalerodeo.com.
