Although the weather didn't cooperate at first, conditions consistently improved as the weekend progressed and organizers of the Bonnyville Pro Rodeo are considering the event a success.
“Except for the weather on Friday everything went really well. We were pleased,” said Bill McLeod, vice president of the Bonnyville Pro Rodeo and Chuckwagon Association (BPRCA). “I think the stock was better this year and the ground was way better. We got a lot of compliments on the ground.”
Blowing wind, cold temperatures and pouring rain Friday night resulted in a smaller crowd for the start of the rodeo, but as the weekend went on, the weather improved, and the crowds at the rodeo grounds grew.
This year's event saw several different acts appear at the Bonnyville Rodeo.
Bailey Jr., a five-year old bison, was a huge hit when he appeared at the rodeo grounds on Friday and Saturday and during his ride in the parade.
The big crowd pleaser was liberty horse entertainer Niki Flundra who wowed the audience on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. She performed with three horses completely free of saddle and bridle.
“I think that dripped a tear out of a lot of old timers,” said BPRCA director Jeff Hallwachs. “To see somebody put something like that together and to be able to have compassion for horses and to be able to work with horses like that is phenomenal. How do you put it into words…it takes my breath away.”
Organizers were also very happy with the attendance at the dance on Saturday night when Tiffany Dowhan took the stage at the C2.
“The dance went really well. A lot of people showed up and Tiffany Dowhan did great. She put on a heck of a show,” said Hallwachs.
Cowboys and cowgirls came from all over North America to participate in the various rodeo events and for the most part they had a good time.
“It was really good. We ended up second. We just wanted to place and it worked out really good,” said Stettler native and team roping competitor Taylor Brower. “There were lots of great acts. Bonnyville is a fun place to come to.”
Another cowboy, Cole Elshere, made the trip from South Dakota to Bonnyville to participate in the saddle bronc competition.
“(The atmosphere) is really relaxed,” said Elshere. “It's fun to come up to Bonnyville and to these Canadian rodeos. We come up here and have a lot of fun.”
Hallwachs and other organizers pointed out that sponsors play a huge part in the success of the event.
“The sponsors have been second to none in helping to put this together and supporting us,” said Hallwachs. “All in all, I just have to thank all of the sponsors and the people for coming. Community is what builds this thing.”
