Growing up in Ontario I never had the opportunity to see, let alone photograph, a real rodeo. Sure we had the small versions of a rodeo where kids ran their horses around barrels, or those who were brave enough would climb atop an angry bull, but a rodeo like this, I have never experienced. Cowboy hats fill the stands, boots stomp the bleacher, country music blares for all to enjoy, and men get bucked off of horses, bulls, and the like.
Growing up in Ontario I never had the opportunity to see, let alone photograph, a real rodeo.
Sure we had the small versions of a rodeo where kids ran their horses around barrels, or those who were brave enough would climb atop an angry bull, but a rodeo like this, I have never experienced.
Cowboy hats fill the stands, boots stomp the bleacher, country music blares for all to enjoy, and men get bucked off of horses, bulls, and the like.
Now I thought I enjoyed Barrhead, but once I stepped into that room and heard the crowd buzzing with anticipation, and later watched as events unfold in completely unpredictable manners, I knew that I could call this place home.
I never really thought of myself as a rodeo type, but there is something either in the air, or in the food that caused the excitement to run through my own veins.
Maybe being able to hide behind the camera and capture that fantastic photo made it all the better, but nonetheless, it was fantastic.
It is events like these that join a community together, where all of the negativity that is going on outside becomes nonexistent, where the talk of amalgamation falls by the wayside because all that is important is watching what is going on in front of you.
This is what Barrhead is all about. Not the drama that is going on with the councils, but the community that is within each and every person. That is the Barrhead I have witnessed these past few weeks.
I know that there is a lot going on in this community I probably still don't know, but sometimes having a fresh set of eyes looking at something can mean a lot, and from what I see, you are a lot more than what has been said.
This town has a strong, vibrant vibe, and some of the most friendliest people I have seen anywhere, and as I said in my last column, I have been a lot of places.
For example, I never knew that when I moved to Alberta I would have someone who would stick their neck out as far as some of the people here have. I didn't expect to be welcomed so warmly and confidently.
There may be some things going on right now that make you want to pull your hair out, but as someone coming in new to the scene I can tell you that you have something here a lot of towns don't.
Stay positive about the good things, like the Kraft Celebration, the rodeo, and the possibility of, by the sounds of it, a wicked aquatic centre.
I cannot wait to experience more of the positive energy I have seen so far in this community. Whether it is in the hearts of the volunteers who work so hard to make events happen, or the simple things here in Barrhead.
There is a lot for this community to offer, and so far, all of it is good.
