Highridge was bustling with excitement over the weekend, as hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls saddled up for the annual Highridge Amateur Rodeo.
July 13 marked the 13th year for the popular event, which saw about 700 people come through the gates.
There were over 400 entries this year, the most popular event being team roping and barrel racing. Most entrants traveled to Highridge from various parts in Alberta, however there were a few who came from the United States as well.
Highridge Agricultural Society president Calvin Young said the turnout was “really good,” and was perhaps even better than last year.
“We’ve got more people here, and they’re staying,” he said. “They’re all having fun.”
Young said the rodeo dance after the main event is normally pretty quiet, and most people just come for the rodeo. There seemed to be more children at the event this year, he added, many of which were flocking to the face painting station.
Children who attended the event, many of whom had painted faces at this point, had the opportunity to participate in the calf scramble: a mad dash to see who could retrieve a ribbon attached to a calf.
The winner got a shiny new bicycle.
Little ones also gave the audience a laugh during crowd favourites such as mutton busting and wild pony racing.
“The main thing is we do this for the kids,” said Young. “The kids are the highlight.”
Young said the society is thankful for all those who contributed their time over the weekend, as the volunteers are the ones who make this event possible. New volunteers are always welcome, he said.
“We need more volunteers for next year,” he said. “Without volunteers, this wouldn’t happen.”
Young added he would also like to thank Jim Lowry for both helping organize the rodeo, and for supplying the stock.
