It has been a community staple for 15 years on a lot off of Highway 663 west of Highway 55, and for nearly 600 people this past weekend, the Rocky Ridge Stampede was "the wildest outdoor show on Earth.
It has been a community staple for 15 years on a lot off of Highway 663 west of Highway 55, and for nearly 600 people this past weekend, the Rocky Ridge Stampede was "the wildest outdoor show on Earth."
Approximately 300 people competed in approximately 40 events Aug. 3-4.
Sharon and Doug Miller host the stampede. Sharon said they saw about the same number of participants and spectators as last year, but son Kyle, who competed in team roping and wild cow milking events, believes this year's stampede drew the most competitors and the largest crowd the family has ever seen.
"We get lots of people here that get their start here, so that's why we do it … so all the kids get a chance," said Kyle. "It's not a sanctioned rodeo; it's an open rodeo, so everybody can bring their kids and compete."
Even the Miller grandchildren are put to work helping with the family-run rodeo.
"They all have jobs all weekend -all of them. They have to help grandma at the gate or in the concession or office …" said Kyle.
Doug built the arena in 1980 to host the first rodeo as part of a club, but the Millers have collectively been running the Rocky Ridge Stampede for the past 15 years.
The grounds were hit with heavy rain Sunday. An hour-long intermission allowed the thundering skies to clear up.
"It ain't going to slow us down. It's going to take a lot more water than that to get us to quit," said Kyle.
Sharon said she has never had to cancel a rodeo because of the weather..
"With friends and family and all the help we get, it's awesome," she said.
Sharon expressed her gratitude to "all of the participants and the people came Saturday, and the ones that came on Sunday, and sorry about the rain!"
Though everyone stayed safe for the most part, Kelly Weinrich was injured in the ladies barrel racing Saturday afternoon and required medical attention. She was removed from the rodeo ring by stretcher with unknown injuries.
As for local results, a few were notable.
Keeley Miller of Athabasca County placed second in the peewee barrel racing with a time of 19.741.
Athabasca County resident Carrie Duncan placed third in the ladies barrel racing with a time of 18.316.
The full list of winners is available at https://www.athabascaadvocate.com/article/20130805/ATH0801/308059998/-1/ath/full-list-of-results-from-rocky-ridge-stampede.
