September 2019
Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Dust Flies During Richer Rodeo By Marianne Curtis For two and a half days in August, the community of Richer became rodeo central when the Richer Rough Stock Rodeo kicked off their seventh consecutive event from August 9 to 11. The Richer Rough Stock Rodeo attracted over 200 competitors in crowd pleasing events such as bull
riding, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling and saddle bronco. Five of the six previous years, the event claimed the coveted Heartland Rodeo Association’s title of “Rodeo of the Year”. Pat Stolwyk, Richer Rodeo Committee President said that the Richer Rough Stock Rodeo has come a long
way in seven years and the secret to their success is the dedicated volunteers who step up to ensure its ongoing success and growth. “Every year we count on over 100 volunteers, some who come from a distance, but most come from our small community and neighbouring communities. This event would not happen without
the dedication and generosity of these people,” said Stolwyk. The Richer Rough Stock Rodeo offered a variety of activities for the entire family, including a trade show with vendors unique to the area, kids’ activities and live music. Weekend events kicked off Friday with the 4-H “Horsin’ Around” for Crafts, Games and Horsemanship. The infamous Bull-nanza took
place in the evening, followed by the infamous Rodeo Social. Saturday started with a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade and rodeo. In the evening, “The Ricky Smits” took to the stage and performed for a packed arena. The trading post, petting zoo, Family Fun Zone, and mechanical bull were big hits during all three days.
Holding on for 8 seconds during the Richer Rough Stock Rodeo.
Hundreds lined Richer’s Main Street to enjoy the official rodeo parade.
Photos by Marianne Curtis
Rodeo President Wins Volunteer Award The Dawson Trail Dispatch surprised Rodeo Committee President Pat Stolwyk and his family with a special award at the end of this year’s Richer Rough Stock Rodeo. Committee member and editor of the Dawson Trail Dispatch Dan Guetre presented the award. He explained to the crowd that the entire family deserved the award as they were known for going above and beyond for their involvement not only in the community but with other events and organizations across the province. “They are a prime example of how one can juggle family while still helping their neighbours,” Guetre said. “They have even opened up their homes to children and made them part of their fam- Marc Lanouette, vice-president of the Rodeo Committee (far left) looks on as Dan Guetre (far ily. They are an asset to this com- right) presents the award to (from left to right) Pat’s son-in-law Marty Pitura, Pat and Betty Photo by Marianne Curtis munity,” Guetre concluded. Stolwyk, and their daughter Corissa Pitura.