Tonight is the night that's almost better than Christmas to many young rodeo athletes.

The Little Britches Rodeo bucks off at the High River Rodeo Grounds, starting with the six and under barrel racers at 5:00 p.m.

14 year old barrel racer Haley McGovern says this is a big rodeo for her, and she's looking forward to it.

"This is a big rodeo for me since it's the first rodeo I ever ran in. I've been running it for eight consecutive years now, and it's like a great tradition for me."

Little Britches Rodeo announcer Dan Meyer says they'll start things off with some of the most interesting events.

"We're going to start with our six and under barrel racers, they start at 5 pm Friday night. On Saturday at noon the first event will be our mutton bustin'."

Meyer also says, if you're not camping this weekend the rodeo is a great way to stay dry.

"It is May Long Weekend, you get the opportunity for some inclement weather so having it indoors makes it a lot better! It's a great indoor arena and you're out of the weather and it creates a great atmosphere to watch youth rodeo."

This is the 61st annual Little Britches Rodeo to be held in High River.

The Little Britches Parade takes place tomorrow May 18th at 10 A.M.