I spent the majority of my weekend out at the rodeo grounds taking in all of the sights, sounds and exciting action the 2014 Pro Rodeo and Chuckwagon races had to offer. In my opinion, the entire weekend of events was a huge success.
I was extremely impressed with the large crowds that came out and packed the grandstands each and every night of the four-day event. Fans came out and cheered on local drivers Rae Croteau Jr. and Doug Irvine, along with many other of the best chuckwagon drivers and rodeo competitors the world has to offer.
The large crowds resulted in sky-high 50/50 jackpots, with the winnings passing $4,500 every single night. Not only did several fans go home happy, but the local Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs got a significant boost.
With this being the second ever rodeo and chuckwagon event I have attended, it is safe to say my knowledge is quite limited. Even though I was learning as I went along, I would say the action and competition was great. Every competition at the rodeo seemed to get “oohhs” and “ahhs” from the crowd and please those in attendance.
As Bonnyville Pro Rodeo and Chuckwagon Association (BPRCA) President Jim Martineau said to me, “Bonnyville is a rodeo and chuckwagon town.” The support here from both the fans and the sponsors was fantastic and allowed the region to put on a top-notch event.
The Bonnyville Pro Rodeo and Chuckwagon Association (BPRCA) committee did a tremendous job, running both events together in the same weekend for the first time; a move that was a huge win for the community.
“This is one of the best things that has ever happened here,” said Martineau. “It should have been like this all along. Combining them both has helped the rodeo and the chuckwagon races. It worked out really well.”
Every participant I talked to had nothing but great things to say about Bonnyville, the surrounding community and the weekend's events.
“I just can't say enough good things about these people,” said 2014 Chuckwagon champion Rick Fraser. “The (committee) works so hard to make sure this thing goes. I really appreciate all of these efforts.”
“It is always great coming to Bonnyville,” added bullfighter Monty Phillips. “It is a big arena, with a really good crowd. It was a good weekend.”
Bonnyville fan favourite and chuckwagon driver Rae Croteau Jr. also enjoyed coming “home” and receiving great support.
“It is always fun coming home to the crowd and the friends and family that you see and the support,” said Croteau.
Many of the chuckwagon drivers also took time out of their busy weekend to come out and flip pancakes at the annual pancake breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday. Overall, it was just a great community weekend to have had a chance to be a part of.
