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Sports: Action aplenty at Elks Pro Rodeo
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The Crazy Cowgirls returned by poplar demand to perform their death-defying stunts. Above, Shelby Cummings performs a stroud layout during one stunt.
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Mac Olsen
for South Peace News
The 49th annual Elks Pro Rodeo had it all – mutton busting, chariot and chuck wagon races, bronco and bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, tie down roping, cow milking and wild pony racing.
During the grande entry, KayLee Gauchier led flag bearers around the arena. Joe and Alicemary Olansky were this year’s honorary parade marshals and they welcomed everyone. Sam Wiley sang ‘O Canada’ while Dawson Cardinal rode around the arena with the Canadian flag.
The applause was loud and plentiful in the events, especially during the chariot and chuck wagon races. Between events, Ricky Ticky Wanuchuk had his family performed their hilarious clown routines, which including “sawing” Mayor Rick Dumont in half and “shooting” the lower torso trying to get away.
The Crazy Cowgirls returned to demonstrate their death defying stunts. During the first day, Shelby Cummings performed a stroud layout, a side back bend, a shoulder stand and a splits to the neck vault. Cassie Horner performed a backward fender, a side saddle layout and the suicide drag full fender.
The Cowgirls made two little girls part of their act the second day, Mariah and Kensie Herben. They trained with them and learned how to look after horses.
Near the end of the rodeo, KayLee Gauchier was crowned Miss Rodeo Queen by Miss Rodeo Canada, Aaron Courchesne. Samantha Drefs is this year’s princess and Jamie Peterson was the other contestant.
Gauchier was surprised to win and says the $1,000 scholarship will come in handy. She will put the money towards continuing her education at the U of A where she is taking pharmaceuticals and lab technician courses.
Tammy Henkel, the organizers, says it came down to the 50/50 ticket sales and the girls were within 25-30 tickets of each other. The contestants also participated in public speaking and horsemanship.
Several raffles were held. Eight-year-old Colton Shaw of Wabasca won a pony, Janey, raised and donated by Frank Pratt. Melvin Martinson took possession of a Kawasaki Teryx after winning the Elks ATV Raffle.
Over in the Midway, West Coast Amusements entertained children and families with rides of all kinds. There were also games like the roulette wheel for those feeling lucky.
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