Rockyford holds successful 55th annual rodeo weekend

Times Contributor  

 

Rockyford was alive with rodeo and community spirit on the weekend as the community came together to celebrate their 55th Annual weekend event.

The rodeo events began on Friday night, July 27, with lady barrel racers. Over 102 had registered in the event throughout the three-day weekend. Some rodeo events took place as well as the infamous Chucks and Chariots, which always are a crowd pleaser. Rockyford residents finished their first night with a Family Dance.

Early risers on Saturday morning were greeted with a pancake breakfast and with full tummies reserved their spots on the street for the 10 a.m. parade. It was a great parade for Rockyford as they had participants from Calgary’s Stampede, Harry the Horse their official mascot, Stampede Queen, Candice Lee with Princesses Dani Gariepy (a third year nursing student at Mount Royal) from Rockyford, and Jessica Manning. The crowd cheered long and loud for Gariepy’s appearance and showed their appreciation for her representation of her community.

The Rodeo began at noon with the typical rodeo events and the evening finished with the Mini-Chucks, Chariots and Pony Chucks.

Some highlights for the children included the wild pony races, mutton busting and a rousing game of “catch and keep” which included pigs, goats and chickens.

The Rodeo wrapped up on Sunday with the following top three individuals in each category for the Foothills Cowboy Association (the results are unofficial until paperwork is processed).

Saddle Bronc: Jake Vernon from Millarville with 74, and Wyatt Thurston (Big Valley), Mark Elder (Red Deer), and Brendan Laye (Consort) all sharing the second spot with a tie of 72. 

Bareback: Cole Jamieson 77, Justin Myers 72, and Tate MacDonald with 62.

Bull Riding: Wyatt Gleeson 77, and Branden Dillman with 70.

Calf Roping: Clay Barnson 8.4, Shelby Foster 9.5, and Dallas McDougall with a 9.6 seconds.

Steer Wrestling : Blake Gagnon 6.3, Rudy Neiborg 6.5, Brendan Laye with a 6.6.

Team Roping: Scheller-Wigemyr 5.6, Gordon-Flewelling 6.2, and Jones-Udal with a 6.4.

Ladies Barrel Racing: Jessica Bearnes and Jodi Doenz shared top spot with a 16.379 seconds followed by Mona Boe with 16.458 seconds.

Junior Barrel Racing: Rayna Longeway 16.672, Nikki Vanderlee 16.912, and Kennedy Smith with a 16.926 seconds.

Steer Riding: Bryce West 72, Riley Claypool 70, Connor Faucher 67.

Novice Horse Riding: Jace Doenz 52.

Junior Bull Riding: Ty Ward 69, Lonnie West 68, and Tanner Henderson 66.

Breakaway Roping: Paige Williamson 2.6, Madison wright 2.9, Brooke Skocdopole 3.2.

It was a fun-filled weekend for Rockyford and all their rodeo visitors, participants and spectators and a good way to get geared up for the Strathmore Stampede this Heritage Day Weekend.