Newest rodeo society finishes up inaugural year
Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter
The Wheatland Cowboys and Cowgirls Rodeo Society have wrapped up their inaugural year, with only a banquet on May 6 left. The society is a non-profit organization focused on promoting family fun, good sportsmanship while teaching, learning, and participating in rodeo.
“It’s just to promote a family activity, and get the kids ready for the high school rodeo if they’re interested in that, and keep the sport of rodeo alive,” said Gerald Alleman, a board member with the society.
The youngest member of the society is three-years-old, up to 18-years-old. There were 34 kids registered for this past year, with room for up to 60 kids.
“It’s a great stepping stone to teach the kids,” said Crystal Stevens, another board member with the society.
The society added break-away roping, which is different from the club they are mirroring out of Okotoks. Stevens said the men are doing a great job of teaching the kids how to rope. The time of year may be a little off from the usual rodeo season, which was intentional.
“So that the kids have something to do and to prepare for rodeo season,” said Stevens about their reasoning.
“It’s important for our area…I believe and I think we all believe, for the rodeo families or for the rodeo in this area, this has been very good for them.”
Gathering sponsorship and support hasn’t been an issue for this group, and Stevens said people are still approaching her asking how they can help out. She said the families are a great help, making it easier for organizers to take a few minutes away if needed.
“It’s been really good,” said Stevens.
Both Stevens and Alleman said the guidance, support and knowledge of Kim McDonald has been tremendous, and they are both grateful to have him helping.
“I love coming to these events, they’re so cute to watch. The kids are just adorable and it’s amazing how well they can ride,” said Kenna Lockwood, Miss Rodeo Okotoks.
She said she had been invited to the Okotoks final and since she had the weekend free she decided to head this way to watch the Wheatland kids at their final.
“Having rodeos that they can go to in the winter is just great. It gets them on their horses and practice, it’s just perfect,” said Lockwood.
“It’s a really good way to get the kids out and keep them in the rodeo circuit and rodeo life in the winter.”
The new season will start in September, and there is still plenty of room for anyone interested. Rodeo experience isn’t a requirement. To find out more information, or to register with the Wheatland Cowboys and Cowgirls Rodeo Society, call Crystal Stevens at 403-934-0838 or Gerald Alleman at 403-324-1500. People can also email, wheatlandcowboysandcowgirlsrodeosociety@shaw.ca.