MOOSE MOUNTAIN RODEO STIRS UP COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND A SLICE OF HOMEMADE PIE
July 16 , 2009

For the last 77 years, the annual Moose Mountain Rodeo has been an integral part of the community for the folks of Kennedy, Sask. and area, and this year is no different.

“This year, all our proceeds from the rodeo are going into a couple of different projects within the community. We’ve got some rink repairs that needs to happen for the roof, and we also have a health foundation that’s trying to raise money for the new hospital that’s going up,” says Howard Floyd, president of the Moose Mountain Rodeo Association.

“Over the past six years, I think we’ve given in excess of $20,000 to the health foundation. For a community of 300 people, I’m pretty proud of what we’ve accomplished,” he says.

Floyd is on the committee of eight that volunteer throughout the year to make the two-day rodeo happen and says that, in addition to the contributions to the community at large, they’ve also made a few improvements to the rodeo grounds, something they strive to do every year to make everything that much better for stock, contestants and fans.

“We’re doing some restructuring of some of our back pens so that we’ve got better facilities for the timed event cattle. We had a bunch of bleachers that needed repair, and we’ve done some general painting and tidying up,” he explains.

On average, 1,800 to 2,200 visitors visit Kennedy over rodeo weekend, which runs July 18 and 19.

“We put on as good a show as you’re going to find anywhere. And it’s an entire family weekend. You can bring your entire family to it and they can participate in everything that’s going on in a relaxed atmosphere and have a good time,” Floyd encourages would-be spectators and rodeo fans.

“There are two demolition derbies and two rodeo performances,” he says, adding, “and this year we have brought back our old-time fair, so we we’ve got people that are entering crafts, displays and baked goods that are going to be judged.

“I’m still trying to get on that committee,” he laughs when asked if he gets to judge some of the pies that are entered.

For those that aren’t on the baked goods judge’s panel, Saturday kicks off with a free pancake breakfast, an event that’s also on the opening day itinerary at the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition.

The Stampede runs July 16 through 19 in the southern Manitoba town of Morris, home to about 1,700 residents, and draws nearly 25,000 spectators through the gates each year.

“It’s the only professional rodeo in Manitoba, and we’ve got a great weekend of weather coming up here,” says Alex Manchulenko, rodeo director on the Manitoba Stampede’s Board of Directors.

“It’s good value for your money. We’ve got the midway and the fair, the rodeo and wagon racing… it’s a full day of entertainment,” he adds.

Also on the schedule for this weekend are two rodeos in Alberta: the one-day only Humps & Horns Bullnanza in Irricana on July 17, and the three-day Taber Pro Rodeo, which runs July 17 thorough 19.