The Kindersley Indoor Rodeo was a fan favourite once again this past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with its 32nd annual edition. Nightly performances brought action and fun to the arena, before all the fun concluded with the rodeo dance Saturday night.
Belt buckles were handed out for riding, roping, and wrestling. There were cowboys, cowgirls, and their animal athletes; but there was no rodeo clown, however, according to co-president Steve Macintyre.
"Unfortunately, we weren't able to have a clown this year... got hurt chasing cows or doing something." said Macintyre, though there was still more than enough show for a good time.
In addition to all the usual events (results available here), a special feature this year was the addition of wild pony races for kids, a favourite event for Macintyre that they really wanted to promote this year in Kindersley.
"Buckles up from Troy Fisher. Thought it was well received last year," said Macintyre as the action went Thursday and Friday before a finals round on Saturday.
There were over 400 entries for the wild pony races.
"We kind of kicked it around a little bit, and a few of us committee members (brought up the wild ponies) and you know I was all about letting the kids get out there and ride a mini bronc because those little suckers can get kind of ornery." said Macintyre as the crowd has just as much fun watching as the kids do riding.
"If I was 13 and had a chance to win a buckle like the big boys, I would have been all about it. Obviously, they don't let guys my age and my size do it."
The overall purse this weekend wasn't too different than years past, Macintyre ensuring that every extra cent they had went to the competitors. The money is nice, but Macintyre says the buckle is a good keepsake too.
"As usual. He is one of my good friends and someone that I trust," said Macintyre, who gave Fisher full reign behind the design. "I said you have your finger on the pulse; this is what you do, design us something and he came back and knocked it out of the park."
As with any event, the rodeo would not be possible without the people behind it. The committee gained some new faces this year and Macintyre talked about the mix of old and new coming together to spark another great weekend in Kindersley.
"The core group, we extended some invitations to people and opportunities (asking to be part of the committee), saying we would love to have you. Trying to make sure everyone is as involved as they can be, but obviously understandable that people have different things going on at different times.
"It's been an absolute tribute to the committee this year for stepping up and really coming together, putting everything together. For somebody that's never done it before it's an eye-opening experience." he said, still shocked at the amount of work it takes even after being behind the scenes for a few years now.
With a committed team the process gets easier as time goes on. New committee members have really taken their new roles in stride, and can take pride in being part of such a great event.
"If it wasn't for the committee members, and the sponsors, there would be no Kindersley Rodeo," said a thankful Macintyre. "I am so thankful to have (everyone) behind the event this year.
"We weren't 100 per cent sure it would go, but I hope people come and say that was a dang good show."