Now that the excitement and busy schedules of rodeo weekend are behind us, maybe it's time to take a moment to reflect on how much work it is organizing an event of that scope. Now multiply that amount of work by 25.
Every year for a quarter of a century, Bonnyville has been lucky enough to host an awesome wild west show that has continued to grow each year until the spectacle nearly 2,600 people had the opportunity to experience this weekend.
The community owes a huge debt of gratitude to the organizers who worked so hard to give us a truly world-class event, drawing in some of the best cowboys and cowgirls from around the world to participate.
It goes beyond that as well. Sure, there are the bucking horses, the bulls, the steer wrestling and barrel racing, but rodeo is more than just what happens at the rodeo grounds. It's the parade, with children racing into the streets and scooping up candy tossed from fire trucks and floats; it's the people shrieking on the rides at the midway and trying desperately not to get sick while stumbling off them. It's the dancing, the live music, the pancake breakfasts and cowboy church that come together to create a memorable and amazing celebration of wild west culture.
Thanks to the cowboys who came out to try their hands at riding Shane Franklin's stock, to the organizers who worked tirelessly to pull off a smooth and seamless event, to the town for coming out for the chili cook-off and everything else rodeo brings.
Thank you for 25 years of Bonnyville rodeo. Now let's get ready for chuckwagons!
