2019 Whitecourt Woodlands Rodeo kicked up some dust

By Ashley Clementovich

The Whitecourt Woodlands Rodeo was held over the weekend. As trailers and trucks pulled into the Westward Community Center there was no shortage of cowboy hats, boots, or oversized belt buckles.

People from all over Alberta travelled to participate in this year’s rodeo events, with some of the bull riders coming from as far as Australia, Brazil, and Tasmania.

Along with the list of performance events, this year’s rodeo also offered breakfasts, a rodeo market, car show, and a dance with live entertainment. Beer gardens and concession stands ensured no-one watching would be hungry or thirsty. Attendees climbed up the bleachers with hefty poutines and deep-fried pickles in hand. Most were layered up on Friday evening happy to brave through the cold and the damp sipping hot coffee, hot chocolate, or something stronger to keep warm.

Unfortunately, due to a heavy downpour of rain on Friday, the chuckwagon races were cancelled for the evening. “We didn’t want to hurt any horses,” said Whitecourt District Agricultural Society President Malcolm Heaven. He added that it was the first time they had to postpone any races.

Participating in the junior steers on Friday evening was 15-year-old Taycen Heck, from Sexsmith. Despite the chill in the air, Heck’s family sat happily in the stands ready to cheer him on. His mother Erica Heck said the weekend marked her son’s third year as a steer rider, and said it was a great activity for kids even if it made her a little nervous to watch. “It keeps them busy,” said Heck, noting that the family would be heading to two other rodeos that weekend. Taycen ended up tying for first place with Grady Ebelling out of Lacombe with a score of 64.

Saturday changed its tune finally showing some sun and drying up the tracks enough to hold some chuck wagon races.

Rodeo Clown Tyson Wagner shed his patchy coat and strutted around the arena heckling the cowboys and throwing candy to the crowd, never letting up on his constant stream of jokes. At one point, he chose to make a sculpture using the droppings that passing horses left behind ensuring that everyone around gave him a wide berth. “There is something chemically wrong with you my friend,” announcer Mike LaBelle informed Wagner.

Rodeo attendee Alex Diotte enjoyed her Saturday spent at the rodeo. “Today was an awesome day! There was great food, so many horses, and very courageous people. Also, thank you to all the volunteers for getting the rodeo grounds ready!” she said.

The amazing sponsors and committee members who worked tirelessly to bring the best event possible for 2019 made the Whitecourt Woodlands Rodeo possible.

Tagline: A strong and cohesive team is crucial in steer wrestling.

Tagline: Some bronc riders on Saturday night made their jobs look easy.

Tagline: Taycen Heck ties for first place in the Jr. Steers category on Friday night.