INNISFAIL – It was a great start to the rodeo season.
The fourth annual A Night At The Ranch welcomed hundreds of spectators and dozens of participants to the Daines Ranch on May 10 and 11.
Penhold resident Lisa Duke was one of many taking in the annual event with her children and nephew.
“It’s our first time (attending A Night At The Ranch),” said Duke. “We are excited to be here. It’s a beautiful day and it’s for a great cause.”
The two-day event kicked off May 10 with a charity poker tournament with the following day being an action-packed day with xtreme bulls (bull riding) and timed events, including team roping, tie-down roping, a bares n’ broncs shootout and steer riding.
All proceeds raised from the event this year are going to the Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation in Red Deer.
Since it began in 2016, A Night At The Ranch has raised more than $35,000 with funds going to the Canadian Sports Medicine Team, the Innisfail Eagles, Ty Pozzobon Foundation, and the Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation.
Organizers Kyle Daines and Drew Iwanoczko were pleased with the turnout and Mother Nature’s cooperation.
“The weather is awesome. We couldn’t ask for a better weather here today,” said Iwanoczko. “It’s a fantastic day. We’ve got a great turnout for the bronc riding and we’re expecting an even better turnout this afternoon for the bulls.
“Last night was absolutely fantastic with the charity poker tournament and Rick and Cindy More,” he added. “You couldn’t ask for a better group of people and a better charity.”
Rick More, co-founder of the Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation, along with his wife Cindy, was thrilled to be a part of the annual springtime event for the second straight year.
“We’ve been working with Kyle (Daines) and Alissa and their committee. There’s a lot of work that goes into something like this,” said More, noting that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. “We’re just so proud to be a part of this.”
Since the foundation began three and a half years ago, it has raised more than $350,000, thanks to sponsors and support from across Alberta.
The foundation is giving back to the community this year by donating $10,000 to the Chinook’s Edge School Division.
“We’re announcing today that we’re giving some funds to Chinook’s Edge School Division for mental health programs,” said More, noting he recently met with superintendent Kurt Sacher. “It’s directed at middle schools in Innisfail and Penhold, so it will have a direct effect.
“It’s for the youth and that’s what keeps us going,” More concluded.
