Stampede rolls into town next week

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

If you’re looking to have a good old-fashioned, rootin’ tootin’ Western time, the 2007 High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo is less than a week away. High Prairie’s biggest event of the year brings the best entertaiment value in the Peace Country as the host Elks and Order of Royal Purple organizations strive to make the party bigger and better each year. This year’s rodeo goes July 31 and Aug. 1 at various venues around town and at the Stampede Grounds north of town. The kickoff to this year’s Pro Rodeo events will be the St. Mark’s Anglican Church breakfast from 7-10 a.m. on July 31. The parade begins at 11 a.m. sharp and winds it way through downtown High Prairie. Entrants are asked to be at E.W. Pratt High School at 10:30 a.m. to line up. Call the Elks at 523-3724 for more information. Rodeo events begin at 1:30 p.m. July 31 and 4 p.m. Aug. 1. All the traditional events of rodeo are featured. The rodeo promises to be one of the best as the top cowboys from around the world – many also attend the Calgary Stampede – will be attending. Besides the traditional rodeo events other events have been added to the schedule including 3-Horse Flat Racing, Mutton Bustin’, the Calf Scramble, Junior Barrel Racing and Wild Cow Milking. The dance features Sweet Tequila, who performs each night from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. What is described as “the best fireworks display in the Peace” begins at dusk, or about 10:30 p.m. This year’s 47th annual High Prairie Elks Professional Rodeo promises the same high quality family entertainment and fun as in past years. In addition to the rodeo, West Coast Amusements provides the midway again this year after rave reviews the last few years. Miss Rodeo High Prairie will be attending the event. Kelsey Marquardt, 16, was the only contestant to seek the title. The long-time 4-H member is looking forward to her duties as Rodeo Queen and is busy promoting the event by attending special events and selling tickets. Everyone is reminded to take part in numerous draws during the rodeo including the traditional pony raffle and 50/50. The Elks and many volunteers make the rodeo the huge success it is every year. Without the hundreds of volunteers the rodeo simply could not take place. It takes hundreds of people from organizing the event, working at the grounds, taking tickets, working booths, etc. to make it happen. Some volunteers give so much time they never get to see many of the rodeo events. If you want to help volunteer, there is still time. Contact the Elks office at 523-3724.

Copyright © 1999-2005 South Peace News. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster