INNISFAIL – For more than 50 years the Innisfail Pro Rodeo has been the spot in Central Alberta for non-stop rodeo action.
And that time honoured cowboy tradition continued last weekend as hundreds of area residents and visitors from across Alberta took in the 59th annual Innisfail Pro Rodeo at the Daines Ranch from June 14 to 16.
“We couldn’t be happier. We’ve got lots of people out here to enjoy the rodeo, lots of competitors and combine that with lots of sunshine and we’ve got a perfect weekend,” said Dana Daines-Smith, co-organizer of the rodeo, along with cousin Dustin Daines.
“Rodeo in Canada is really taking off so we’re getting lots of contestants from the U.S., but it’s also a big community event so it’s really nice when the Town of Innisfail comes out to support us and we can cheer on our local cowboys and cowgirls," she added.
Dozens of competitors from across Canada, the United States and around the world competed in several rodeo categories, including bareback riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, ladies barrel racing, tie down roping, steer wrestling and bull riding.
One of those competitors was Innisfail’s own Ryan Shuckburgh. The 21-year-old has been steer wrestling for four years.
He was competing in his second consecutive Innisfail Pro-Rodeo.
“I competed here last year, but I didn’t have any luck,” said Shuckburgh. “I really like this rodeo. It’s always got a big crowd, lots of money and a great atmosphere.”
He noted the experience he's learned from competing in the Innisfail Pro Rodeo.
“Guys you look up to, you get to compete against here so it’s definitely a stepping stone,” he said. “This is one of the big (rodeos) so it’s lots of fun to be able to compete with those type of people.”
Jake Finlay, 24, of Queensland, Australia, has been riding saddle bronc horses for close to seven years and competing professionally for three.
“I’ve rode at this rodeo a couple of times and in Canada a little bit. I live in the States now and come up here during the summertime as well as (compete) down there,” said Finlay, noting what he enjoys about the Innisfail Pro-Rodeo.
“There’s a lot of history here and Calgary brings the best horses. It’s a great rodeo and we love coming up here.
“The best cowboys in Canada are here and a lot from the States too,” he added.
Cochrane's Navada Phipps was out with family enjoying the Innisfail rodeo on Championship Sunday.
“This (rodeo) is an institution in the province of Alberta and the Daines family has done such a great job of promoting the sport of rodeo,” said Phipps. “We love coming here. It’s such a family affair.”
