3 minute read
Bruce Stampede Outlasts
Bruce Stampede Outlasts
Tammy Hewitt - News Advertiser
On a weekend of warm weather with a measure of light rain at times, Bruce Stampede grounds came alive for their 111th Stampede on July 25- 27.
Campers started setting up for free camping on Friday as rodeo fans also gathered to enjoy the start of a fantastic weekend with ABRA Jackpot “Turn and Burn” as runners tried for the fastest time around the barrels. Announcers Tyson Pietsch and Dustin Edwards guided the crowd through the weekend as Ricky Ticky Wanchuk entertained from the arena and delighted the crowd.
The excitement continued on Saturday with a variety of concessions as the local rodeo with all kinds of shenanigans brought cheers from all who were there. Kids got involved with activities equivalent of the adult races such as wild pony, calf tying, pee wee barrel and stick horse races. The ridiculousness happened though with the mutton bustin’, calf scramble and a very excited greased pig run. That pig would not stop squealing until he was back in his trailer!
As the adults turn came up, there was the hilarity of the Bloomer race that was won in 27 sec by a second generation participant. Open cow races, wild cow milking and rescue teams showed off the skills of some true cowfolk. CPRA Slack continued on in the evening to prepare for the next day’s events.
For those who wanted fun outside the arena, there were kids’ activities of balloon animals, bouncy castles and a Horseshoe Tournament. A veteran in Horseshoes, Cal Beaudoin of Spruce Grove won the Horseshoes match. He holds the first place in Alberta and second in Canada. The River Jacks got people moving with their catchy tunes as they played for a crowd at the Black Jack’s Saloon that night.
Sunday started with a colorful parade and a pancake breakfast that had a surprise guest, Pierre Poilievre flipping the jacks. Cowboy Church followed as the excitement continued with Canada’s Oldest One Day Pro Rodeo that had a CF18 jet from Cold Lake do a fly over to start with a roar for the 10 different events of riders, ropers and racers as they competed for their prospective titles.
