The sun shone, thousands came and competitors wowed the crowds during the 56th annual Innisfail Pro Rodeo at the Daines Ranch.
The four-day event kicked off on June 16 and featured top participants in saddle bronc, team roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and ladies barrel racing from across Alberta, Canada and the United States.
"There's a lot of reasons why the rodeo was successful. The next generation is coming along, they got their feet wet last year with great ideas and that followed into this year to make it what it is,” said Danny Daines.
Daines said he and organizers were very pleased with the turnout, the support from across the province and a little cooperation from Mother Nature.
“Over the weekend we're looking at close to 15,000 to 20,000 people,” said Daines. "It is a tremendous feeling when you look up there; the seats are full and people are enjoying themselves having a great time. The Daines family is honoured to have them all here," he added.
"Mother Nature obliged but she still let us know she's got the power because she did bring a little rain."
The Gauvin family from Pigeon Lake was at the 2016 Innisfail Pro Rodeo for the first time on Sunday, June 19 and enjoyed watching their son Beau participate in the mutton bustin' competition.
"It's a nice day to bring the kids out, have the family here, watch the kids participate and watch some really good rodeo,” said mother Sonja Gauvin. "The mutton bustin' is Beau's favourite part. He's been doing it since he was three.
“It's nice that we can come out here rain or shine and have a great time."
The unofficial results from the 2016 Innisfail Pro Rodeo are:
Bareback riding: Caleb Bennett (87.5 points)
Steer wrestling: Dallas Frank (4.4 seconds)
Saddle bronc riding: Dusty Hausauer (86 points)
Team roping: Steele Depaoli and Kasper Roy (5.7 seconds)
Tie-down roping: Rhen Richard (8.4 seconds)
Barrel racing: Cayla Melby (15.634)
Bull riding: Tyler Pankewitz (86 points)
Novice bareback riding: Bailey Plaisier (77 points)
Novice saddle bronc riding: Chase Zweifel (75 points)
Steer riding: Justin Arskey and Dixon Tattrie, (tie) (73 points)
Danny Daines
"There's a lot of reasons why the rodeo was successful. The next generation is coming along, they got their feet wet last year with great ideas and that followed into this year to make it what it is."
