The verdict on the Wildrose Rodeo Finals is in – a spectacular success.
Barrhead Agricultural Society president Adolph Bablitz thanked people who flocked to the Agrena for the Sept 13-16 spectacle.
He also doffed his hat to the cowboys and cowgirls; not only did they display fantastic skills, he said, but they also came determined to have a good time.
No Saturday night dance at the Curling Rink? No problem, when you can bring along your guitars and belt out tunes. No problem when you can head to the Bucking Horse Saloon in the Multi-Purpose Room after each performance and raise a glass.
And that’s what they did Friday and Saturday night, giving the rodeo a party atmosphere.
“They had a really good western party with guitars on Saturday,” said Bablitz. “I heard between 150 and 200 people came along, and the bar was open.”
Bablitz said a lot of cowboys proved they weren’t just talented in the rodeo ring.
“They were able to provide their own entertainment,” he said. “I was told that cowboys staying nearby would come along drawn by the music.”
The informal nature of the socializing – which lasted until the early hours – seemed to go down well with everyone, added Bablitz.
All of which is music to ears of organizers who feared the cancellation of the dance because of Curling Rink fire regulations might discourage people from attending the rodeo.
The town is in the second of a three-year contract to stage an event coveted by Drayton Valley and Whitecourt. A poor attendance could have endangered Barrhead’s chances of hosting it in 2014 and beyond.
On the eve of the event, Bablitz and Mayor Brian Schulz appealed for people to pack the Agrena.
Their calls were heeded with big crowds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday enjoying a packed program of top-class action, including competitions in bareback, saddle bronc, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, ladies barrel racing and bull riding.
The junior events were also well received – steer riding, bull riding, pee wee barrel racing, novice horse riding and breakaway roping.
“There was a tremendous response,” said Bablitz. “Even with the good farming weather, people seemed to take time off to come along.”
Although not all the bills have been paid, Bablitz said it was clear the rodeo could be seen as a big success.
The cancellation of the dance had become an inconsequential issue, even from a financial standpoint, he said.
“Everything seemed to run very smoothly,” said Bablitz. “I am very happy with the outcome.”
So will there be a dance next year? Bablitz said it was too soon to say.
Dance or no dance, he added, cowboys and cowgirls have shown they know how to party among themselves.
At the Barrhead Agricultural Society’s meeting last Tuesday, Bablitz thanked members for their hard work during the rodeo finals. He also praised the County Council for helping to prepare the Agrena floor, and Cindy Bowie and the recreation staff or “an awesome job.”
Bablitz said the 2012 event was one of the most successful, even without a dance.
