Rodeo action!

The 2016 Whitecourt Woodlands Rodeo kicked off with a bang Friday night as a 30-man pro bull riding event kicked up the mud and set the tone for the rest of the weekend. Riders from as far away as São Paulo, New Zealand, Australia and, even Brazil along with plenty of locals, tried hard to hold on as the bulls did their best to buck them off. Throughout the weekend, over 300 participants descended onto the Fire Power Events Centre at the Westward grounds, taking part in a whole host of events from barrels to calf roping, bareback, steer wrestling, bull riding, and fan-favourite, lawnmower racing! A sunny forecast encouraged the crowds to come out and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the rodeo as well as shop at the market held in the hall.