CARSTAIRS - Despite some dark clouds and a little bit of rain, the Carstairs Beef and Barley Days was as popular as ever. It did not, in fact, rain on their parade.
Beef and Barley Days kicked off on Friday with the junior rodeo followed by the CARA (Central Alberta Rodeo Association) rodeo. Junior rodeo events included pole bending, barrel racing, goat tying and dummy roping. CARA rodeo events included bareback, saddlebronc, barrel racing, tie-down roping and many more.
Also featured was the ever popular mutton busting and wild cow milking.
The mixed slo-pitch tournament also kicked off Friday and featured a number of teams competing over the weekend at both Tiny LaFleur and Memorial parks.
Friday ended with a fireworks presentation at Tiny LaFleur Park.
Saturday was the big day for Beef and Barley Days. The day kicked off with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Carstairs Chamber of Commerce at the curling rink. Following the breakfast was a 5K fun run around town.
Continuing from Friday were the CARA rodeo and the slo-pitch tournament.
One of the bigger events was the always popular parade, which this year, featured a salute to STARS, Alberta's air ambulance service.
Other events on Saturday included a big rig show 'n shine at the arena, art show and sale at the Half Century Club, all makes car show at Carstairs Ford, classic games at the museum, farmers market at the curling rink and a kids' zone at Memorial Park.
Saturday ended with a smokin' barbecue dinner and live music at the curling rink.
Sunday featured brunch at the Carstairs Golf Course, an interdenominational church service at Memorial Park, more fun at the museum and the wrap-up of the slo-pitch tournament.
