The annual Bonnyville Pro Rodeo and World Pro Chuckwagon Races – two of the town's biggest summer events – joined forces from Thursday to Sunday of last week to put on one amazing show, which saw crowds pack the grandstands all weekend long.
“This is one of the best things that has ever happened here,” said Jim Martineau, president of the Bonnyville Pro Rodeo and Chuckwagon Association (BPRCA).
“It should have been like this all along. Combining them both has helped both the rodeo and the chuckwagon races. It worked out really well.”
The rodeo followed the chuckwagon races on both Thursday night and Friday night, wowing the crowd under the lights while dealing with a little bit of wet weather.
“We had a little bit of trouble with the weather,” said Martineau. “We were rained on one night. It made it a little tough, but the rodeo goes on, rain or shine.”
The sun was out and shining for Saturday afternoon, the final day of rodeo events, which allowed the rodeo to finish on a high note.
“We had an excellent rodeo. We had great stock and some of the best cowboys were here. Guys like Scott Schiffner and Morgan Grant, along with some of the $100,000 winners from the Calgary Stampede,” said Martineau. “The caliber of cowboys was top in the world, so it was a world class event.”
One of the many cowboys to go home happy was Buck Moen of Elrose, SK, who won the novice bareback riding event and picked up a little over $400.
“It was a great weekend. I had some family in the stands,” said Moen.
“On my first ride the horse went out there for two jumps and then flipped over on me. I got a really good horse on my re-ride and went out and won it.”
Assisting Moen and many other riders in the infield was bullfighter Monty Phillips, of Regina, SK. He quickly intervened and helped Moen after his horse flipped on him. Phillips enjoyed all of the Bonnyville action.
“It is always great coming to Bonnyville. It is a big arena, with a really good crowd. It was a good weekend,” said Phillips.
“There was some good riding and great competition. The horses were really good. The riders put on some solid runs and a good show for the fans.”
Bareback riding - Ty Taypotat, 81.5 points, $1,229
Steer wrestling - Curtis Cassidy, 3.8 seconds, $1,837
Team roping - Mike Beers/Miles Kobold, 4.8 seconds, $1,697/each
Saddle bronc riding - Todd Herzog, 83 points, $1,363
Tie-down roping - Kirk Robinson, 8.5 seconds, $1,772
Ladies barrel racing - Julie Leggett, 17.170 seconds, $1,495
Bull Riding - Scott Schiffner, 83.5 points, $1,515
Novice saddle bronc riding - Daniel Gratton, 51 points, $423
Novice bareback riding - Buck Moen, 70 points, $407
