Eileen Will, of Enilda, right, throws a horseshoe in ladies’ competition as Rhoda Dumont, of High Prairie, looks on.

Richard Froese
South Peace News

Horseshoes was a big hit at the High Prairie Open singles tournament Sept. 2-3.

“We had 64 competitors, including 35 from the local area,” says Ray Prevost, president of the new High Prairie Horseshoe Club, who initiated the tournament.

“We had players from young children to 85 years old.”

Horseshoe pitchers competed in the event at the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre co-hosted by the High Prairie and District Regional Recreation Board and sanctioned by the Alberta Horseshoe Pitchers Association (AHPA).

“We had great response by competitors, and they said it was run like a professional tournament,” Prevost says.

The event attracted players from Girouxville, Sexsmith, Grande Prairie, Lloydminster, Spruce Grove, Edmonton, Wetaskiwin, Olds, Madden, Airdrie, Calgary and Regina.”

Plans are already underway for the second annual High Prairie Open in 2018, Prevost says.

The AHPA gave top marks to Prevost, organizers and the community.

“They did a tremendous job to host the tournament,” says Bruce Grandel, AHPA president.

“We can’t say enough about the community support and the local recreation board.

“We can’t hold tournaments without the support of the community.”

That initial tournament could lead to greater heights for horseshoes in the community.

“People from out of town say they want us to have bigger tournaments,” Prevost says.

“We were encouraged to put a bid in to host the national championship tournament in 2020.”

High Prairie has ideal indoor facilities at the Buchanan Centre, the Sports Palace and High Prairie Curling Rink all in one location, he says.

After the success of the initial tournament and much community interest and support, Prevost expects the new local horseshoe club to grow.

High Prairie Horseshoe Club started in July and plays at temporary pits at the High Prairie RV Park on the east end of town each Tuesday at 7 p.m.

For more information on the club, phone Prevost at [780] 523-0369 or [780] 523-5509.

Joseph Chalifoux, of High Prairie, tosses a horseshoe in the High Prairie Open. He placed seventh in the Mens 40B Event.