Radville, SK -
Rodeo weekend is probably the most highly anticipated weekend of the year for many Radville residents. The 15th Annual Long Creek Rodeo, held June 19th to 21st, was another great success. It did rain, of course, but it held off until Saturday night, and though there was a good downpour on Sunday afternoon before the rodeo began, it was not enough to even dampen the spirits of the rodeo-goers, who are used to much worse.
The weekend got off to a start with the Dr. Oberholzer and Dr. Helm's Backyard BBQ Cook-off, held at the Rodeo Grounds on Friday evening. This year there were eight teams, which was down somewhat from last year. The teams were: Meyers Norris Penny, Nelson Motors, Radville Nurses, Kim Levee and Sparky, The Big Cooks (Cara Thompson), 4 Seasons Promotions, E. Bourassa & Sons and the Radville Star. There are always lots of creative dishes, as well as staples like steaks and corn on the cob. This year's winners of the cook-off were the Radville Nurses, who went all out creatively with a medically themed menu.
The Gymkana Demonstration from Borderview Saddle Club kept rodeo-goers entertained throughout the early afternoon, and the rodeo itself began shortly after 3:30 p.m.
The first intermission featured the popular Pig Scramble with piglets supplied by Odin and Beatrice Jacobson. The dry rodeo arena gave the scramblers a definite advantage, and many pigs were scooped unwillingly into sacks.
The cabaret was held Saturday night, and the popular Vern Michael's Band was back for another year.
Bright and early Sunday morning several cowboys and cowgirls competed in the Slack. The Co-op sponsored pancake breakfast took place that morning as well at the rink.
After a brief downpour in the early afternoon, the rodeo grounds slowly filled up in time for the start of the rodeo, which was somewhat delayed because of the rain.
At the first intermission was Muttin' Bustin'. This year's brave riders were: Taylor Wolter, Aiden Galbraith, Logan Verhelst, Ashton Aspen, Mazey Hillrud, Lane Sawyer, Tennesee Wolter, Quinn Galbraith, Carter Carles, Cody Labbie, Trista Stadnick, Hailey Verhelst, Liam Normand,Cooper Meston, Kamrie Kaufmann, Hayden Bert, Rylan McKinney, Kylar McKinney, and Keeton Buchinski. The sheep were provided by Pat and Leann Doud.
The popular Bull Riders Bounty was held both days in the intermission before the bull riding with auctioneer Faron Ward and rodeo announcer Kelly Brice showcasing the bull riders to all the bidders. On Saturday Garnet Marin & Co. won the seminar and generously donated their winnings, over $5000, back to the RDCHF. On Sunday Tory Wolter and the Long Creek Saloon won the calcutta.
This year's Youth Ambassador winners, with 1st place getting a $1000 RESP and 2nd place getting an RESP worth $800, were Jayden Becker and Michelle Fradette.
The rodeo ended on a somewhat sour note when the final bull rider sustained a serious injury, but he was quickly taken care of by Dr. Oberholzer and the EMTs.
The rodeo is simply not possible without the rodeo committee members who work so hard all year, the volunteers who ensure that it keeps going, and the community members who come out to support the rodeo, not to mention all of the sponsors. It is their continuing support that allows this great event to keep coming back year after year.
2009 Long Creek Rodeo Results
Saddle Bronc: 1st - Travis Reay - Mayerthorpe, AB; 2nd - Tyler Gilchrist - Maple Creek, SK; 3rd - William Easton - Walsh, AB.
Bareback: 1st - Orin Larsen - Inglis, MB; 2nd - Monty Koopman - Consul, SK; 3rd - Jason Wurtz - Saskatoon, SK.
Bull Riding: 1st - Bobby Stevens - Moosomin, SK; 2nd - Royce Perrin - Warman, SK; 3rd - Logan Kadlec - Bladworth, SK.
Tie Down Roping: 1st - Austin Ameel - Oxbow, SK; 2nd - Shane Brown - Lenore, MB; 3rd - Dalton Kraft - Medicine Hat, AB.
Steer Wrestling: 1st - Travis Reay - Mayerthorpe, AB; Tyson Willick - Blaine Lake, SK; 3rd - Chalie King - Virden, MB.
Ladies Barrel Racing: 1st - Rusty Quam - Wainwright, AB; 2nd - Dawn Goebel - Grenfell, SK; 3rd - Sheena Dunham.
Team Roping: 1st - Jason Schmidt/Randy Paicu - Medicine Hat, AB/Avonlea, SK; 2nd - Jesse Popescul/Tyler Popescul - Glentworth, SK; Jay Hogg/Dalton Kraft - Medicine Hat, AB.
