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Volunteers needed for WRA Rodeo finals

Barrhead Agricultural Society seeking commitment for 2022 event and next three years to keep it in Barrhead
woodchips agrena floor
The Barrhead Agricultural Society wants to get a bank of volunteers it can draw on for future Wildrose Rodeo Association finals, as it takes a small army to host the event. One of the first steps to prepare the Agrena for the rodeo, as pictured here in 2017, is to put a protective layer of woodchips on the icerink's surface.

BARRHEAD – In the future, Barrhead may be in danger of losing the Wildrose Rodeo Association (WRA) finals.

Currently, the Barrhead Agricultural Society is contemplating whether they should bid to host the finals for another year. If they don't, this summer’s event may be the last time the community sees it, at least for the foreseeable future.

Barrhead has hosted the WRA finals since 1989, except for 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic.

In mid-May, the society put a post on its Facebook page noting if they did not receive an influx of volunteers who were willing to volunteer for the September event until 2025, Barrhead’s ability to host future rodeos was in jeopardy. They also stated that the association would decide whether or not they would submit a bid for the 2023-2025 WRA finals at their June 21 meeting.

The WRA is the showcase event of the association's season.

Athletes who have the Top 10 point totals in each of the seven core rodeo events (bull riding, bareback and saddleback riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling and ladies barrel racing) qualify for the rodeo finals, which also feature the Top 6 junior-point leaders who will compete in the steer riding, bull riding, breakaway roping, and barrel racing events.

Association president Jackie Miller said since they made the Facebook post, they have received several volunteer offers and are optimistic that they will have enough support to go forward with their bid.

"We want to make sure we have a volunteer base in place (for the three-year bid) because we don't want to be in a place where we are continually struggling to get enough volunteers."

Having said that, Miller noted they do have several volunteer openings, not only for future bids but for the society's demolition derby on July 23 as well as for Blue Heron Fair Days, Aug. 13-14, which big event is the Wildrose Rodeo Association Rodeo and one of the last opportunities for competitors to earn points towards earning a spot in the finals.

"We do have some time (after the meeting) to submit our bid. It must be in place by Aug. 1," she said.

The meeting which the Ag. Society will determine whether or not to submit the bid to host the finals for the 2023-25 WRA Rodeo Finals cycle will be held at 7 p.m. in the Ag Barn's meeting room on June 21.

Miller noted while several people have told them they would come to the meeting, saying they will come and making the commitment are two different things.

"Everything's open. We need people who have organizing skills and can help with the rodeo finals planning, to people to work doors, concessions and the bars," she said.

Miller noted there are many benefits for volunteering for the rodeo finals, such as seeing the best rodeo competitors in action for free, helping build friendships and community, and gaining valuable experience.

“Just to name a few,” she said. “So if you can help us, come to the June 21 meeting and put your name down. We’ll be pleased to have you.”

Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com

 


Barry Kerton

About the Author: Barry Kerton

Barry Kerton is the managing editor of the Barrhead Leader, joining the paper in 2014. He covers news, municipal politics and sports.
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