PENHOLD – Hundreds came out to see some bronco bucking and bull riding for charity during the third annual A Night At the Ranch.
The two-day fundraiser welcomed crowds and sunshine at the Daines Ranch Rodeo Grounds on May 11 and 12.
“We’re really pleased with how things went,” said Kyle Daines, co-organizer. “It all worked out really well.”
The annual fundraiser surpassed the amount raised in the previous two years. That total was just under $20,000.
“We’ve raised around $17,000,” said Daines. “This year we almost matched our first two years.”
Bronc bucking kicked off the event Friday afternoon, followed by a charity poker tournament that evening with about 116 people taking part.
A pancake breakfast started the day on Saturday morning with bull riding in the afternoon.
“Everybody was out there enjoying themselves,” said Daines.
A total of 45 participants took part in the bronc bucking event Friday and 31 bull riders competed in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA) event on Saturday.
Participants came from all over Canada, the United States and South America.
The Town of Penhold sponsored the event for the second straight year, contributing $2,500.
“It’s another great event put on by the Daines Rodeo family. We’re just happy to be a part of it,” said Mike Yargeau, Penhold mayor.
He noted the many ways the Daineses help the Penhold fire department and the work by co-organizer Drew Iwanoczko, a volunteer firefighter in Penhold.
“This is our way to give back and help two great causes,” added Yargeau. “It’s something we’re happy to do and we’re honoured to do.”
Money raised this year went toward the Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation and the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine Team.
“If we can help one kid, if we can help one person, that’s what we’re about,” said Daines.
“We’re there to put a smile on people's faces. For them to come out, have fun and help raise money for charity.”
With its success in recent years, the tradition will continue.
“The plans are already turning for the fourth annual A Night At the Ranch event,” Daines concluded.
