Excitement is building for this year’s rendition of Alix Days, set to run Aug. 19-20.

A big part of the fun will be the eighth annual Alix Rodeo which runs both days as well.

Tickets are available at the gate, and there is also free camping.

Food trucks will be onsite both days as well. As to the schedule, on Saturday the slack starts at 10 a.m. with the rodeo kicking off at 2 p.m. There will also be live music later on starting at 9 p.m.

On Sunday, the rodeo — which is sanctioned by the Central Alberta Rodeo Association — kicks off at 1 p.m.

“The Alix Agricultural Society has been busy preparing for the Aug. 19th and 20th rodeo,” said Mandi Peterson, one of the event’s organizers.

“We are grateful for the support that we have received from the community so far, and there are still more sponsorship opportunities available. There are also some volunteer options if anyone is interested in giving their time.”

Peterson said that the planning committee can be reached through their social media or via their website at alixagsociety.weebly.com.

“Our group is also excited to add ‘Ladies Ranch Bronc Riding’ as a regular event this year, as well as all the regular events that will be sure to entertain,” she said.

As mentioned, the Saturday evening rodeo cabaret will be the place to be.

”We’ve got fun for the whole family covered,” she said. “We are very glad to be able to hold events like this that help keep cowboy culture alive.”

This year marks Peterson’s third year with the Society.

”My husband was a part of it before that and is currently vice chair of the Ag Society,” she said. “I enjoy that it is something we can do together. We enjoy the social aspect of it as well as the celebration of the western way of life!

“I also love how Alix Days and the rodeo bring people together, something which has become so important in the last couple of years to reconnect as a community.”

According to the Village website, “Alix was originally named Toddsville after Joseph Todd who first came to the area in the spring of 1900 from Michigan, USA.

“The original quarter, which the Todds homesteaded, eventually became the site of the Village of Alix.”

The Village of Alix was officially incorporated on June 3rd, 1907.