Cloudy skies and a little rain couldn't keep dedicated horseshoe players away from the Innisfail Horseshoe Tournament.
The annual two-day event took place at the local horseshoe courts Aug. 27 and 28, and was hosted by the Innisfail Horseshoe Club.
This year the tournament honoured horseshoeing pioneer and longtime Innisfail resident Dick Mountain, 94.
Mountain's 10-year-old great-grandson Wade was invited to throw the ceremonial first horseshoe to open the tournament Saturday morning.
“I think it's awesome,” said Wade of the sport. “It takes a lot of concentration.”
Wade is new to the sport and took up playing horseshoes just this year. He looked forward to participating in the annual tournament honouring his great-grandfather.
Wade's mother and Dick's grandaughter-in-law Ley-Anne Mountain said playing horseshoes is a long-standing family tradition.
“He (Dick) always had all the grandkids playing horseshoes at the farm,” she said, noting the entire family was pleased to have the Innisfail Horseshoe Club honour Dick in its annual tournament. “It's extremely special. It was a neat surprise for Wade to have the opportunity to throw the opening horseshoe.
“Apparently he's a natural. He was hooked as soon as he played horseshoes,” added Ley-Anne.
Dick came out Saturday morning to watch his great-grandson throw the ceremonial first horseshoe. Family members and friends gathered and noted his excitement and enthusiasm on the occasion and the memories it conjured up for Dick as he watched participants warm up.
This year's tournament saw participants from Olds, Innisfail, Lacombe, Calgary, and as far away as Lethbridge.
Jerry Riemann was one of several participants from the southern Alberta City of Lethbridge to make the trip to Innisfail for the annual horseshoe tournament.
“It's our first time in Innisfail,” said Riemann, noting the good turnout despite the gloomy weather and a little bit of rain. “This is my second year playing horseshoes. It's fun and you meet different people.”
Riemann enjoyed seeing the ceremonial throw by the fourth generation Mountain family member.
“It was great to see the youngster. He's the future of the sport.”
Ley-Anne Mountain, grandaughter-in-law
"He (Dick) always had all the grandkids playing horseshoes at the farm. It's extremely special. It was a neat surprise for Wade to have the opportunity to throw the opening horseshoe."
