The best of the best on the rodeo circuit will be riding into Grunthal this weekend for the Heartland Rodeo Finals.
Hosted by Hanover Ag, the event marks the season finale for the Heartland Rodeo Association and will feature top competitors from across Manitoba.
Best of the best compete for top honours
Brenda Levesque, a board member with Hanover Ag, says the finals bring together the top contestants from the year.
“The Heartland Rodeo Association operates all summer long,” said Levesque. “They come to Grunthal in September to host their finals weekend, which is the best of the best they got. They’re all competing to win awards.”
The weekend will also include a banquet and dance on Saturday night, where season-end awards will be presented.
Full lineup of rodeo events
Fans can expect to see all the classic rodeo events both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 1 p.m. each day.
“Steer roping, bull riding, barrel racing, goat tying, you name it, it’s going to be there,” said Levesque.
She adds more than 70 competitors are expected, with entire rodeo families competing — parents and children alike.
Boosting the local community
Levesque says hosting the finals each year is an important boost for the Grunthal community.
“It’s nice to have other events through the year to keep bringing people to the area to help the community thrive,” she said. “You bring different people to town. You see how lovely of a town it is.”
Food vendors will also be on-site, including the Grunthal Lumber Grill, Dexter’s Mini Donuts, Anna’s Freshly Squeezed Lemonade, and Classic Scoop Ice Cream.
A family-friendly weekend with music and more
The weekend will wrap up Saturday with a banquet meal followed by live music from Quentin Blair.
“Especially this one is because you’re going to get great quality contestants,” said Levesque. “It’s going to be a great weekend weather-wise. You’re going to get to see a little of everything.”
Tickets and volunteer information can be found at hanoverag.com.
-With files from Carly Koop.