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UPDATED: Endiang keeps Canada Day tradition alive with gymkhana

Wade Buchwitz Memorial Gymkhana hosted its 14th annual on Canada’s 150th.
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The Wade Buchwitz Memorial’s 14th annual was more of a Canada Day family event, bringing together small town rodeo families and friends to honour the memory of Wade Buchwitz.

Hosted each year on July 1 at the Endiang outdoor arena by the Buchwitz family, the Endiang gymkhana has become a mainstay of the community.

On Canada’s 150th, it was no different. Starting at 11 a.m. with Jorgie Campbell singing the national anthem, it was followed by Cowboy’s Prayer by Cash Buchwitz, with flag carriers being Ryder and Bronc Buchwitz. The rodeo announcer was Jeremy Verhoeven.

The events of the day were – cattle penning, pole bending, breakaway, barrel racing, goat tail undecorating, goat tying, musical buckets, keyhole. team roping, tandem bareback, and egg race.

Divided into different categories, such as tinymite, peewee, junior and senior, the gymkhana had a wide variety of age groups and encouraged beginners and intermediate riders to try out in a more relaxed and fun setting.

“Horses, people and fun were Buck’s life,” said Robert and Sheila Buchwitz in the program. “Hopefully everyone enjoys themselves today as much as he would have.”

There were lots of entries in all events, but because of heavy thunder showers later that afternoon, the final event and activities were cut short.

High Point winners: Tiny Mite — Walter Heiland, Pee Wee — Addison Rock, Junior — Gaven Brady and Senior — Kobi Brower.

Sportsmanship Award winners: Tiny Mite — Walter Heiland, Pee Wee — Roan Heck, Junior — Owen Wilkie and Senior — Paige Jones.

Plans are already underway for next year’s gymkhana.