There were no extra-special events or exceptional fanfare to announce the 20th anniversary of the Halkirk Elks Bull-a-Rama, a family-friendly rodeo event that raises money for the community. And that's the way the Elks wanted it.
By choosing to not spend money on an exceptional marking of the anniversary, the Elks were able to make sure that the money went to the purpose it is raised for: helping the community's groups, organizations, and people in need, organizers said.
Though no one managed to keep their seat on the bulls through two rounds of riding, Casey Bertram from Piapot, Sask. took the prize in saddle bronc, pulling ahead of Mike Gordon, who led after the long go.
Despite a downpour on Friday, Aug. 21, Saturday was bright and sunny, with rarely a cloud to be seen. While some parts of the Halkirk grounds were a little mushy with moisture, the wet soil kept the grounds from being dusty during competition.
People from the surrounding communities – and all over Alberta – packed the stands outside the ring, or the alcohol-serving garden, to watch the 20 competitors in either saddle bronc or bull riding compete.
Competitors came from all over; some travelled barely at all, hailing from the surrounding communities, while others came from Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Armando Davila Rodri, whose base is in Stettler, actually trains in Mexico, announcer Les McIntyre revealed.
Stock for the event was provided by Rafter Anchor of Outlaw Buckers, while Brett Sollocy and Edward Hourdan distracted the bulls after their riders dismounted.
Though the rodeo events were the star of the show, they were but a part of a day-long celebration that began with the opening of the gates at 2 p.m.
Terry Howe and Quality Sound provided music until the opening ceremonies at 3:30 p.m., with Ladies of the Heartland performing the Grand Entry.
O Canada was sung by Brooklyn Perry.
Kids events throughout the afternoon, before the start of the rodeo event, had kids getting down and dirty. Mutton busting and wild pony races had kids scrambling in the damp dirt of the rodeo ring.
The rodeo events themselves got underway at 4:30 p.m., with each event interspersed with different games for kids or presentations for the audience.
One such presentation was a display by the Wild Hearted Trick Riders, who on their horses performed gravity-defying tricks, hanging from or standing on their saddles as their equine partners cantered along the glittering silver rope held by volunteers.
Later in the evening, the Ladies of the Heartland returned for another performance, this time of “Kira's Ride,” a performance designed to honour Stettler youth Kira Richardson, who is battling a form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma.
Kira chose the music for the performance herself, but was unable to attend the event herself, which was recorded so she could see it later.