Countdown begins for Okotoks rodeo
By Gillian Beckett
Staff Reporter
Less than one month from now Okotoks will become the hub of rodeo activity with
the Pro Rodeo and plans for the annual event are well under way.
From Sept. 1-3, the Okotoks Recreation Centre will once again harbor the ever-popular
Pro Rodeo featuring some of Canada's premier rodeo contenders.
Although the ninth annual rodeo will feature much of the same exciting rodeo action
in previous years through events such as bull riding, saddle bronc, barrel racing,
bareback riding and team and calf roping events, this year will feature a new addition.
According to marketing coordinator Bryce Manske, the rodeo weekend will be highlighted
with a fun, family corn roast on Sept. 1 from 5 pm to 7 pm.
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During the corn roast, people can feast on 'all you can eat' juicy corn-on-the-cob and tasty beef-on-a-bun for $5 per person or $20 per family before taking in some Pro Rodeo action.
As for the rodeo itself, admission is $10 per person. VIP passes are also available for $35 per person which includes VIP seating and access to the VIP lounge. A weekend pass is $90 per person.
As those who have attended the Pro Rodeo in previous years can attest, the weekend of Sept. 1-3 is an especially fun and exciting time in Okotoks and this year organizers forecast the level of enjoyment to be no different.
'Preparations (for the rodeo) started around the beginning of the year when we solicited for sponsorship,' said Manske. 'We have received excellent support from businesses such as Midas, Hershey, Coors Light, Skoal and the Town of Okotoks.'
Manske added that the appeal of the Pro Rodeo is wide-spread across Western Canada with interest reaching as far as Whitehorse in the Yukon.
'The Pro Rodeo has grown in participation over the years. It has been very well received,' said Manske, who noted that the rodeo draws more than 40 per cent of spectators from outside Okotoks. 'It is an important rodeo because we are getting close to the (Canadian) Finals Rodeo. Lots of prominent cowboys come here for points to qualify (for the CFR).'
While plans for the rodeo are well under way, Manske said that there is room for additional sponsors and tickets for the Pro Rodeo are currently on sale.
For more information or to sponsor, contact Bryce Manske at 938-7848.
For tickets and ticket information call the Pro Rodeo ticket hotline at 938-1518.
Raftin' down the river
This group of tubers and rafters float
down the Sheep River in Okotoks during a sweltering afternoon on Aug. 7. Many folks
flocked to the river during the August long weekend to take advantage of its cool
waters during some scorching summer temperatures. photo by Gillian Beckett
photo by Gillian Beckett
Nanton bus run rescheduled
By Cindy Ballance
Editor
The date of the Royal Canadian Legion Turner Valley Branch 78 run to Nanton has
been moved to Sept. 9.
The bus run will include a tour of the Lancaster Museum, Nanton Pure Spring Water,
the stories behind some of the town's more interesting buildings and internationally
known landmarks.
There will be a tour of the town which has been known as southern Alberta's model
town.
After an afternoon enjoying Nanton's famous Antique Walk of Alberta, the group will
enjoy a luncheon at the acclaimed McKeague Tea House. Some of the walking visits
will include the historic Blackman Pub, rural Alberta's first department store and
the internationally known Nanton cenotaph.
En route bingo and random draws will be held on the bus. The $20 ticket includes
bus pass, meal and prizes and may be purchased at Black Diamond Hardware, Turner
Valley Home Hardware and Video Max in Okotoks.
The trip is open to everyone whether they be a member of the legion or not. The deadline
for purchasing tickets is Aug. 26.
The Autumn Senior's Dinner has been scheduled for Sept. 9 and tickets may be purchased
at the branch and the Turner Valley Home Hardware.
The branch is hosting Branch 285 in Calgary in the first White Hard Hat inter-branch
hosting program. Cribbage, pool and dart tournaments will be the main part of the
program.
The position for branch manager has been filled. The selection was made after reviewing
the resumes submitted.
