The grandstands were packed for the 40th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo, and organizers seemed encouraged by the turnout.
“We’re incredibly happy with the crowd, our grandstands are all full,” said Scott Smith, director and past president of the Sundre Rodeo and Race Association, adding Saturday’s sunshine offered “terrific weather.”
“Sundre continues to amaze us,” said Smith, calling the community’s support “tremendous.”
The main grandstand at the Sundre Rodeo Grounds was packed for Saturday afternoon’s performance during the 40th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff
Two new additions to Sundre’s main event of the year were unveiled over the weekend: the permanent Wild Horse Saloon beer garden structure complete with bar and big screen TVs, as well as several teams from the Canadian Indian Relay Racing Association.
The new Wild Horse Saloon, featuring two large screen televisions to broadcast the rodeo action live, was a welcome addition. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff
Smith had previously seen an Indian relay race, and the organizing committee decided the performance would be a perfect addition to include in Sundre’s traditional rodeo lineup, he said.
“They wanted to bring them here to Sundre to allow everybody to see them firsthand for the first time. It was an excellent event and we’re hoping to do it again next year.”
A competitor leaps off a horse during the Indian relay race. Noel West/MVP Staff
Additionally, the saloon brought out some good crowds as well, and he said people were really pleased by how the beer garden turned out.
The more people come out to support the pro rodeo, the more the association is able to upgrade the grounds, with plans lined up to build a new open-air grandstand next year, he said.
“That’s what we’re trying to do, is always improve our facilities. Having another grandstand will allow for our capacity numbers to go up,” he said.
“As long as people support us, we’re going to continue to host the best rodeo we can,” said Smith.
Jim Bowhay, committee vice-president, said the crowd loved the new relay race event, which he called a “good, new welcome addition to the show. The boys did a good job, it was snappy.”
A competitor walks with a horse on Saturday afternoon before the start of the Indian relay race. Noel West/MVP Staff
Jim Turner, from north of Cochrane, is a regular at Sundre’s pro rodeo, and also praised the new relay race.
“It was quite spectacular. I thought it was well done, and I really enjoyed it,” said Turner, who would always recommend the rodeo to anyone who has never had the opportunity to check it out.
“It’s always a good rodeo, really good committee, and the town gets behind them,” he said.
“It’s a class rodeo.”
Cole Jamieson competes in bareback at the rodeo. Noel West/MVP Staff
Sundre’s rodeo is approved by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. Many of the contenders end up competing at the Calgary Stampede.
David Veilleux, from Québec, was travelling across the country and happened to be in the area when he heard about the rodeo. He decided to drop in later during Saturday afternoon’s performance in time for the bull riding action.
“I wouldn’t try it!” he said with a laugh.
Wyatt Gleeson of Sundre competes in the bull riding. Noel West/MVP Staff
He called the show “amazing and beautiful, like we get at home sometimes. But better here because it’s more organized and there are competitors from all over the country” and the United States as well.
Earlier that morning, spectators lined the streets along the parade route, with the biggest crowds amassing on either side of Main Avenue. While rain has often haunted the parade’s organizers and spectators, not a drop fell throughout the sunny day despite the previous week of rainy conditions.
The Calgary Round-Up Band marched again in Sundre’s parade for the third year in a row. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff
“This is a fabulous day,” said Andrea Golembuski, from Calgary. This was her first time attending Sundre’s parade, and she came to support her daughter Anya, who was among the members of the Calgary Round-Up Band.
A member of the Red Deer Royals plays the tuba. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff
“It was very nice, it was bigger than I thought it was going to be,” she said about the parade, adding the huge turnout was good to see.
“I like the music mostly, the bands and the marching,” she said.
Brenda Cox, who was raised in Sundre and resides north of town, enjoys coming out whenever possible to check out the parade along with her children Sierra, 4, and Stetson, 2.
“They like the horses and the candy,” she said with a laugh, adding she also enjoys seeing them light up.
Numerous mounts with riders in classic western garb wowed spectators. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff
Having come out to the parade since she was a child, Cox said she even had prior experience participating in the parade and getting drenched during rainfalls, “so it’s nice to have sunshine.”
Kris McLeod, who lives north of Sundre, carried his son Wyatt, 5, on his shoulders as they sought out a spot to watch the parade. Attending annually for several years, he enjoys seeing everyone come together.
Dad Kris McLeod carries five-year-old son Wyatt on his shoulders as they seek out a spot to watch the parade. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff
“It’s nice to see all the people out to have a good time,” he said.
“Everybody’s having fun.”
Jessi Macleod, Wyatt’s mom, said she relishes seeing how excited her son gets as the parade procession passes by, especially when candy gets thrown his way.
“I just like seeing how happy he gets,” she said.
Stetson Cox, 2, and his sister Sierra, 4, were among many excited children enthusiastically scooping candy from the streets as the parade went by. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff
Marva DeBow, who goes by Pistol Packin’ Madame when in costume, was among the Women of the Wild West from Cochrane. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff
Shane Crouch, president of Sundre Rodeo Association, said on Monday morning that while an estimate on the weekend’s overall turnout had not yet been calculated, organizers were confident Saturday’s performances drew out the largest crowds in the event’s 40 year history.
“On Saturday, we smashed all previous records at our gates,” he said, adding there were more than 2,000 attending the afternoon performance, “Which is astronomical. There was absolutely nowhere to sit in the big grandstand. Without a shadow of a doubt, it was the best rodeo we’ve ever had.”
The Indian relay race brought in a new element that was well received by rodeo fans, many of whom commented positively on the thrilling, heart-pounding action, he said.
“It’s impressive, they’re athletes,” he said about the racers, who were colourfully dressed in traditional garb.
“I can’t imagine the adrenalin them guys got going through them!”
While Crouch would like to see them return next year, the committee has yet to make that decision. However, he added the general consensus seemed to be in favour of including the Indian relay race in future rodeos.
“I’d like to see them come back,” he said.
“I think that really helped with getting more people to come in.”
There were also plenty of compliments praising the new Wild Horse Saloon and the rodeo -- which always draws out top talent -- had some of the best cowboys come out to compete this year, he said.
New sponsors and faithful contributors who have been involved for years helped make the rodeo possible, he said.
Meanwhile, the parade also brought out huge crowds, he added.
Members of the Canadian Indian Relay Racing Association made their first appearance in the parade as well as the Sundre Pro Rodeo. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff
“I couldn’t believe the attendance at the parade. It was fantastic,” he said.
“We’re very fortunate with how this town comes together for us,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Mennear family for again putting on the popular pancake breakfast.
“All of that put together just made it without a doubt the best rodeo we’ve ever had. It was just an amazing 40th anniversary rodeo.”
Members of the Canadian Indian Relay Racing Association dressed in traditional colourful garb.
Sundre Pro Rodeo unofficial results
Bareback riding: 1. Richmond Champion (Dublin, TX) 85 points on Franklin Rodeo’s 713 Dark Night, $1813.45; 2. Ky Marshall, 84.5, $1489.62; 3. (tie) Dantan Bertsch and Ty Taypotat, 84, $1003.87 each; 5. (tie) Spur Lacasse and Colin Adams, 83, $420.98; 7. Orin Larsen, 82, $194.30; 8. (tie) Luke Creasy and Strawbs Jones, 78, $64.77
Steer wrestling: 1. Stephen Culling (Fort St John, BC) 3.7 seconds, $2051.55; 2. Coleman Kohorst, 3.9, $1880.59; 3. Chance Butterfield, 4.2, $1652.64; 4. Jacob Edler, 4.4, $1424.69; 5. Bridger Chambers, 4.5, $1196.74; 6. (tie) Tyson Willick and Justin Kimsey, 4.7, $854.82 each; 8. (tie) Brendan Laye and Kody Dollery, 4.8, $569.88; 10. Cody Cassidy, Matt Richardson and Ty Erickson, 5.0, $113.97
Matt Mailer leaps onto a steer during steer wrestling action. Noel West/MVP Staff
Saddle bronc riding: 1. Dustin Flundra (Pincher Creek, AB) 87.5 points on Calgary Stampede’s U-38 Urgent Delivery, $2216.14; 2. Chet Johnson, 86.5, $1820.40; 3. Chuck Schmidt, 86, $1424.66; 4. Dawson Hay, 85.5, $1028.92; 5. Dawson Dahm, 83.5, $633.18; 6. Jake Burwash, 82.5, $395.74; 7. Ben Andersen, 80.5, $237.44; 8. Taygen Schuelke, 80, $158.30
Hunter Sawley competes in saddle bronc. Noel West/MVP Staff
Team roping: 1. Garrett Rogers (Baker City, OR)/Jacob Minor (Ellensburg, WA) 4.5 seconds, $2324.15 each; 2. Steele DePaoli/Riley Wilson, 4.6, $2021; 3. Brett Buss/Klay Whyte, 5.0, $1717.85; 4. Tristin Woolsey/Denver Johnson, 5.3, $1414.70; 5. (tie) Tyrel Flewelling/Grady Quam and Jace Lambert/Nick Teixeira, 5.4, $959.98 each; 7. Clint Buhler/Chase Simpson, 5.5, $505.25; 8. Travis Gallais/Ty Johnson, 5.7, $202.10
Roland McFadden and Devin Wigemyr chase down a steer during the team roping section.
Tie-down roping: 1. Taylor Santos (Creston, CA) 7.3 seconds, $2411.10; 2. Ryan Jarrett, 7.6, $2210.18; 3. Cado Lewallen, 7.7, $1942.28; 4. Logan Hofer, 7.8, $1674.38; 5. (tie) Timber Moore and Cody Craig, 7.9, $1272.53 each; 7. Alwin Bouchard, 8.1, $870.68; 8. Blake Williamson, 8.2, $736.73; 9. Clayton Collmorgen, 8.3, $602.78; 10. Erik Dublanko, 8.5, $401.85
Ladies barrel racing: 1. Shelby Spielman (Dalhart, TX) 17.305, $3008; 2. Jessica Routier, 17.324, $2406.40; 3. Hailey Kinsel, 17.401, $1955.20; 4. Angela Ganter, 17.457, $1504; 5. Tammy Fischer, 17.560, $1203.20; 6. Rylee Trenholm, 17.570, $902.40; 7. Jackie Ganter, 17.665, $752; 8. Jana Bean, 17.752, $676.80; 9. Bradi Whiteside, 17.823, $601.60; 10. Shaylee McMann, 17.840, $526.40; 11. Bertina Olafson, 17.853, $451.20; 12. Mariah Mannering, 17.910, $376; 13. Sandra Carter, 17.931, $300.80; 14. Eryn Coy, 17.940, $225.60; 15. Melissa Thiessen, 17.942, $150.40
Bull riding: 1. Edgar Durazo (Montezuma, Mexico) 92 points on Calgary Stampede’s 557 Master Splinter, $2041.68; 2. Sage Kimzey, 90, $1616.33; 3. Klayton Lakevold, 88, $1361.12; 4. (tie) Josh Frost and Tyler Bingham, 87.5, $893.23 each; 6. Trey Kimzey, 86, $510.42; 7. Trey Benton, 84.5, $425.35; 8. (tie) Ty Ellis, Cody Lee Coverchuk and Wacey Finkbeiner, 84, $255.21
Junior steer riding: 1. Bailey Schellenberg (Cochrane, AB) 72 points, $752.72; 2. Kegan Kmita, 71, $564.54; 3. Braxton Rowe, 68, $376.36; 4. Benjamin Havell, 65, $188.18
Novice bareback: 1. Jake Plotts (Drayton Valley, AB) 70 points, $644.08; 2. Chett Deitz, 62, $483.06; 3. (tie) Sam Church and Lane Ferguson, 60, $241.53 each
Novice saddle bronc: 1. K’s Thomson (Lundbreck, AB) 73.5 points, $659.60; 2. Lachlan Sheppard, 68, $494.70; 3. Quenten Taylor, 67, $329.80; 4. Hayden Cole, 66, $164.90
Shelby Spielman competes in barrel racing at the rodeo. Noel West/MVP Staff
Travis Heeb competes in bareback at the rodeo. Noel West/MVP Staff
Ky Marshalll competes in bareback at the rodeo.
Miss Rodeo Sundre Mackenzie Skeels rides around the arena during the singing of the America National Anthem at the start of the 40th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo’s Saturday afternoon performance. Noel West/MVP Staff
