The Water Valley Stampede Association held its 60th annual rodeo on the weekend of June 1-2, and despite the rain on Sunday, both riders and fans enjoyed a great weekend, according to Wes Cummings, who was one of the announcers.
“It was their 60th anniversary celebration and I think it was very well-received,” Cummings said.
“It was a great day on Saturday, got a little rainy on Sunday, but the crowd was true rodeo fans out here, and they come from pretty much all over, and camp out for two or three days.”
Entries were up from last year, according to the Water Valley Stampede Association's secretary Hilary Hahn, who said there were about 30-40 more competitors who showed up, for a total of about 320.
Cummings said he has been announcing at the show for a few years and he enjoyed socializing with the locals between announcing and playing at the dance with his brothers and their band.
“We've been playing that for a lot of years and it's kind of a family band that does the dance, so it was kind of a busy weekend for me all around, but I wouldn't have it any other way,” Cummings said.
“It's a good time and the committee worked hard to put it on, and it's a good setup now. They've got good facilities, it's a great place to camp, and rain or shine it goes.”
As rainy as it was, some of the winning times and rides were on Sunday, he noted.
“The footing was deceiving on top, but they could grab a little bit of traction underneath and it was a pretty good rodeo on Sunday,” he added.
He noted one interesting thing about the rodeo is that one of the awards given to winners each year is given in memory of his grandfather, whose name is emblazoned on a plaque.
The results for the competitions are as follows, and were provided by Hilary Hahn.
Bareback – Pier-Anthony Boudreau (Cochrane) won with 78 points on Richards Rodeo's Mini Whinny.
Saddle Bronc – Kain Loof (Australia) won with 72 on Richards Rodeo's Little Blackie.
Steer Riding – Quinten Taylor (Parkland, Alta.) won with 72 points.
Junior Bull Riding – Tyrell Ward (Three Hills) won with 70 points on Pengelly Rodeo's Tar Paper.
Junior Barrel Racing – Charlie Willoughby (Camrose, Alta.) won with a time of 16.715s.
Ladies Barrel Racing – Brandy Goodwin (Cranbrook, B.C.) won with a time of 16.277s.
Steer Wrestling – Troy Pollit (Bentley, Alta.) won with a time of 4.9s.
Calf Roping – Tyler Leischner (Olds) won with a time of 11.1s.
Team Roping – Quentin Branden (Barrhead, Alta.) and A.J. Sullivan (Rocky Rapids, Alta.) won with a time of 6.5s.
Bull Riding – Brock Radford (Dewinton, Alta.) scored 83 points on Richards Rodeo's Bull Horn.
Wild Cow Milking – Bruce Burrell and Lynn Friesen (Sundre) took home the prize.
Wild Horse Race – Won by the Mark Sawchuk Team.
