Fans filled the stands to cheer on the competing cowboys and cowgirls at the Fort Assiniboine Hamlet Hoedown rodeo over the weekend.
The turnout was about average, said one rodeo organizer and pickup man Jason Resch.
The Fort Assiniboine cowboy, who competed himself in steer wrestling, calf roping and team roping, said the event went well, particularly with the weather. Although the skies turned blue and clear for the majority of the rodeo Saturday evening, it wasn’t looking promising the day before.
“We had about half an inch of rain on Friday morning,” he said. “So we were really happy with how the weather turned out.”
Friday rodeo fans saw junior breakaway roping, saddle bronc, team roping and bull riding. Saturday however brought on the full-length show with bareback, calf roping, steer riding, and barrel racing added to the mix.
The crowd had the chance to cheer on local Fort Assiniboine competitors, including barrel racers Kansis Whitten, Cooper Resch, Charlie Resch, Emma Price and Allison Price.
Cooper also competed in junior breakaway roping, and team roping with Jason.
Barrhead also had its fair share of representation, ranging from Levi and Taylor Schmidt in junior breakaway roping, to bareback rider Travis Berg, to Wyatt Branden in calf roping.
Resch said he would estimate about 100 competitors took part each day, a packed event that would not be possible without the help of every Hamlet Hoedown sponsor.
“We’re happy to have our sponsors. They’re a great part of it and really support us well,” said Resch. “Without them it sure wouldn’t go. We sure appreciate everything they do.”
