48th annual Stampede draws ‘em in

Tyler Thomson didn’t acquire any points during his ride on the second day. The bull, named Quiver N Shake, is one of the toughest in the business and he copped an attitude with Thomson before release from the pen.

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

The High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo continues to draw competitors and enthusiasts, and this year’s July 29-30 event was no exception. St. Mark’s Anglican Church held a pancake breakfast on their grounds the first day. The annual parade featured the High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo Wranglers, Ricky-Ticky Wanchuk the rodeo clown and many dignitaries and floats. People lined the sidewalks and children scrambled to grab all the candy tossed their way. At noon, people made their way to Freson IGA for a hamburger barbecue and knock general manager Matt Lovsin into the dunk tank. The barbecue was a fundraiser for the High Prairie and District Food Bank and the dunk tank was used to raised money for the new hospital’s CT Scan. Then the action moved to the Elks Pro Rodeo Grounds, with the Wranglers performing the grand entry and Miss Rodeo Canada, Jenna Berreth, making an appearance. Also on hand were Cassie Horner and Shelby Cummings, aka the Crazy Cowgirls, performing a variety of tricks including stroud layouts, backward fenders and suicide drags. Sisters Kelsey and Lindsay Keay teamed with them for their own stunt rides. Ricky-Ticky entertained with his fire truck, making it spin out of control and starting fireworks in the back. Doesn’t he understand the dangers of playing with fire? Laugh Out Loud. Children tested their riding skills in the muttin’ bustin’ contest and the wild pony race. Suffice it to say, the animals had minds of their own and weren’t about to let the children have free rein over them. The same scenario played out for the competitors in the bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding. Many struggled to stay on to acquire points and earnings. In the ladies and junior barrel racing, some competitors galloped their way to fast times while others received five-second penalties for each barrel they knocked down. Rodeo fans cheered during the flat racing and the chariot and chuck wagon races. Team Cunningham won both flat racing events. Ron Morrison took first place in the chariot races, while Oscar Buck was the chuck wagon champion and each winner received halters. Next door in the Midway, West Coast Amusements provided children and families with non-stop fun on their many rides including the Super Slide, Scrambler and bumper cars. Cotton candy, popcorn and other food items were the fare found there. A dance featuring Hey Romeo and fireworks completed both days of the rodeo and a good time had by all.

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