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PHOTOS: Cranbrook Pro Rodeo sees record turn-out

Large crowd turned out to see nearly 250 riders shred the dirt at Wycliffe Exhibition Grounds

Cranbrook's Pro Rodeo grows in size every season, and this year was no exception. 

Organizer Dallas Mackie said Saturday's events drew a record crowd, with cars parking along the highway up to half a mile from the Wycliffe Exhibition Grounds.

There were nearly 250 cowboys and gals that signed up for the events in barrel racing, steer wrestling, saddle bronc and bareback riding; and team, ladies breakaway and tie down roping. The event saw the largest-ever turn-out for bull riders, with at least 30 participants.

"It was loud and everyone was cheering. It was great," said committee member Josie Mackie.

There were a variety of high-profile American and Canadian riders who attended the event, who had won previous championships and were inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in the U.S. The event saw participation from B.C bull rider Jake Gardner, who currently ranks number one in his sport in Canada, and Texas rodeo king Joe Beaver, who is among the top 100 rodeo stars world-wide.

Stormy weather rolled in on Saturday morning and threatened the event, but it cleared up in no time making way to blue skies for the evening. Dallas said the rain helped pack down the dirt, which made for ideal conditions for the riders.

Children participated in a boot race on Sunday and raced across the grounds to see who could collect their footwear the fastest. Youth sung the national anthem and recited the cowboy's prayer, and carried the flag in the grand entry parade.

Rodeo clown Dennis Halstead got the stands cheering when he jumped through a ring of fire. Miss Rodeo Canada 2024 Kaylee Shantz, Miss Ponoka Stampede Olivia MacLennan and Miss Rodeo Wainwright Ashley Torpe greeted the crowd.

The rodeo was one of the last events of the season this year before the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, which is scheduled a month earlier this year, so the event attracted a lot of pros who were trying to get points on the rodeo circuit.

"Some are just on the cusp to make it to the finals," said Josie.

 



About the Author: Gillian Francis

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