58th annual Rockyford Rodeo a success

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

Hundreds flocked to Rockyford last weekend putting on another great show during the 58th annual Lions Rockyford Rodeo, making it the largest one yet in the Village of Rockyford’s history.
A record number of participants, over 500 contestants, took to the arena for a chance to win some money and entertain the crowd.
Rockyford Rodeo Arena Director, Warren Kalbhen, said ticket sales stayed consistent again this year and the committee is trying to make it a fairly local family event.
“They were right in line with what they were last year,” said Kalbhen.
“It’s a small town rodeo and you have to try to keep it local as you can. Sheep riding and little kids wild horse racing help the families through.”
Despite the wet weather on Sunday, the rest of the event was sunny and ran smoothly.
“Everything turned out excellent,” said Kalbhen.
“The rodeo contestants got to compete without any rain so that was excellent. I think they really liked the grounds, we spend a lot of time on the grounds. The grounds are in top shape and we’ll try to keep them clean.”
The parade was a popular event again this year with Rockyford’s main street at almost maximum capacity.
“We seem to get a lot of people coming in. It’s a good thing to be a part of with the reputation we have,” said Kalbhen.
Strathmore’s Keenan Desmet rode the bull to victory on Sunday and earned $1,500 for the win.
“I felt pretty good,” said Desmet.
“It’s my first rodeo in two years that I’ve rode a bull and I had drawn a pretty good bull and I ended up winning and felt pretty good to ride.”
He added he did not have a strategy going in, but with a little help from some people in the business was able to conquer the bull.
“I had some pretty good help with Guy Johnson, Bob Hartell and my dad Leonard, just been helping me get on the bull and telling me what to do,” said Desmet.