Biggest party of the year set to roll

The pony chariots are a very popular event at the annual High Prairie Elks Stampede. This year, the pony chariots are back, much to the delight of fans.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

It’s High Prairie’s biggest party of the year and it’s only days away! If you’re looking to have a good old-fashioned, rootin’ tootin’ Western time, the 2008 High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo is the place to be! High Prairie’s biggest event of the year promises to be bigger and better than ever as the host Elks and Order of Royal Purple organizations strive to make the party better. This year’s rodeo goes July 29-30 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 29. You can get your day started with a good meal that includes pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausages. To wash down breakfast, coffee and juice will be provided. Instead of the usual $5 fee, this year St. Mark’s is asking for a donation to the Cat Scan machine fundraiser. The parade begins at 11 a.m. sharp and winds its way through downtown High Prairie. Entrants are asked to be at E.W. Pratt High School at 10:30 a.m. to line up. This year’s honourary parade marshals are Jim and Helen Henderson. Both are long time Elks and OORP members and community volunteers. Helen was also very involved politically with the M.D. of Big Lakes and Northern Alberta Development Council. After the parade, take part in the annual barbecue at Freson IGA. This year, the High Prairie and District Food Bank Society is hosting lunch as a fundraiser with the fee being by donation. IGA has given discounted prices on food. Everyone is asked to please attend and support this valuable community charity. To add some pizzazz to festivities, a dunk tank will be set up. For $1 a ball or six balls for $5, anyone can get a chance to dunk their favourite celebrity. After lunch, thousands of people make their way to the grounds for the chariot races at 1:30 p.m. followed by mutton bustin’. A local group of riders called the Elks Pro Rodeo Wranglers will carry the colors during the opening ceremonies at 3 p.m. They have been practicing for months under the direction of Tracy Pratt. Rodeo events begin shortly after 3 p.m. Besides the traditional rodeo events other events have been added to the schedule including the Calf Scramble, Junior Barrel Racing, 3-Horse Flat Relay Race and Wild Cow Milking. The dance features Hey Romeo July 29-30. They perform from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cost to attend is $15 per ticket. What is described as “the best fireworks display in the Peace” begins at about 10:30 p.m. and hosted by the High Prairie volunteer fire department. On the second day of the Pro Rodeo the pony chariot races begin at 4 p.m. with rodeo events beginning at 5 p.m. Other events will follow. An added attraction this year is the Crazy Cowgirls professional trick riders. Spectators will be amazed at the acrobatic and death-defying stunts the ladies perform. This year’s Elks Pro 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. The world-famous Kesler family will be providing the rodeo stock. They not only have the best rodeo stock in the world; their presence also attracts the best cowboys in the world truly making the rodeo a world-class event. Miss Rodeo High Prairie is Kelsey Marquardt, who retains her title from last year. She will represent the Elks and the sport of rodeo in fine style. Miss Rodeo Canada, Jenna Berreth, is also attending this year. Hey Romeo also performs the second day of the Pro Rodeo and the fireworks will occur again. Two for the price of one! Don’t forget to purchase your tickets on the annual pony raffle. Tickets are available throughout town and at the grounds. This year’s calf scrambles are being sponsored by Macleods True Value Hardware. Any child can enter free of charge by just being at the rodeo. Winners receive a new bicycle. Mutton bustin’ is always a popular event. Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. 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. A big tip of the hat to Elks secretaries Wanda Wishart and Amy Keshen for putting the show together and spending many sleepless nights preparing for the big event.

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