The 39th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo brought out big crowds despite daunting weather that did not deter people’s enthusiasm.
Although numbers were down a bit — about 8,500 people are estimated to have come through the gates from Friday to Sunday while recent years had seen as many as about 10,000 — organizer Shane Crouch, president of the Sundre Rodeo and Race Association, praised the support of volunteers, fans and sponsors who made possible the event.
"It's phenomenal how the community comes together for us," he said Monday morning.
While attendance dropped on Saturday, presumably because of intermittent rain, the sun was shining bright for Sunday's final performance and award presentations, with plenty of spectators coming out to see some top rodeo talent including many cowboys from the U.S., he said.
Additionally, Saturday night's cabaret saw a substantial jump to more than 900 people from shy of 700 last year, he added.
The Family Fun Zone organized by volunteers with the McDougal Chapel as well as the Sundre Farmers' Market were welcome additions that Crouch hopes to see again next year.
"We are trying to get more of a fair style feel."
Sundre resident Josh Rozenhart, who is no stranger to the pro rodeo, brought his oldest son Sam, 6, to check out Saturday afternoon's performance.
"We love coming here. They put on a great event," he said.
"It's something different for the kids to watch, and you don't get it every day."
When asked what he most enjoyed about the day's show, Sam said he liked the antics of rodeo clown Dennis Halstead.
Darren Stewart and his wife Tanya, who own a lot at Tall Timber, brought out for the first time their sons Hunter, 4, and Jaxon, 6.
"Our boys are old enough to experience rodeo, and we thought it was a good day," said Darren, who was undeterred by their decision to attend despite the conditions, which he added are part of the overall experience.
"We've been out here for 10 years, and we can hear all of the events from our trailer. So we decided this year we'd come out now that they're a bit older."
The rain and mud did not seem to dampen the family's enthusiasm in the slightest, especially Hunter, who was not about to pass up the opportunity to jump and splash in muddy puddles of water.
Finding a spot on one of the bleachers near the fencing brought them a lot closer to the action than would ever be possible at an overcrowded event such as the Calgary Stampede, he said.
"I'm pretty impressed, to be honest — I wasn't expecting it to be like this. It's kind of cool to come and actually finally see it instead of just listen to it from two miles away!"
Darren said the family would "100 per cent" come back if the boys were enthused and want to return.
"We'll probably be back every year."
Crouch said organizers are already looking to next year's major milestone 40th anniversary, and that some new changes will be announced.
"I don’t want to spill the beans too much," he said, wanting to for now keep the surprise.
"Next year is going to be an outstanding year — we're looking forward to seeing everyone come out again."
Sundre Pro Rodeo unofficial 2018 champions
Bareback riding
Jake Vold, Airdrie, tied for first place at 84 points with Caleb Bennett, from Tremonton, Utah, to win $1,780.97 each.
Steer wrestling
Tanner Milan, Cochrane, tied for first place at 4 seconds with Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La., to win $2,067.41 each.
Saddle bronc riding
Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo., placed first with 82.5 points to win $2,041.68.
Team roping
Rocky Dallyn, Nanton, and Dustin Bird, Cutbank, Mont., placed first with 4.1 seconds for a $2,080.93 prize.
Tie-down roping
Trevor Brazille, Decatur, Texas, tied for first place at 7.5 seconds with Alwin Bouchard, Scandia, Sask., to each win $2,411.98.
Ladies barrel racing
Carman Pozzobon, Aldergrove, B.C. placed first with 17.79 seconds to win $2,895.20.
Bull riding
Brock Radford, Dewinton, Alta., placed first with 87.5 points to win $2,287.21.
Novice bareback
Jake Plotts, Drayton Valley, placed first with 70 points to win $543.20.
Novice saddle bronc
Ben Andersen, Eckville, placed first with 73 points to win $605.28.
Steer riding
Braiden Grant, Alix, Alta., placed first with 77 points to win $713.92.
