Dark clouds came rolling in on Saturday afternoon, during the Rockyford Lions and Ag Society Club Rodeo. The skies opened up, releasing large amounts of rain, but that didn’t put too much of a damper on the weekend.
After about 30 minutes or so, the rodeo spurred back into action. Spectators made their way back to the bleachers, which were soaked by the downpour, to watch contestants ride their hearts out.
“Everything was up this year so that was good. Attendance was up and we had around 100 more contestants than last year,” said Warren Kalbhen, arena director for Rockyford Rodeo.
This was the 55th year for the event, held from July 27 to 29, and it was a strong one.
“It seems a lot of rodeos are folding around us, maybe because of the lack of interest I’m not sure, but I think we held our own this year and hopefully that continues,” said Kevin Elder, president of the Rockyford Lions Club.
The Rockyford Rodeo results went as follows: saddle bronc, Jake Vernon, 74 points, bareback, Cole Jamison, 77 points, bull riding, Wyatt Gleeson, 77 points, calf roping, Clay Barnson, 8.44 seconds, steer wrestling, Blake Gagnon, 6.3 seconds, ladies barrels, Jesse Bearns, 16.379 seconds, novice horse riding, Jace Doenz, 52 points, junior bull riding, Tyrel Ward, 69 points, junior barrels, Rayn Longeway, 16.672 seconds, boys steer riding, Bruce West, 72 points, breakaway roping, Paige Williamson, 2.6 seconds, relay race, Courtney O’Keefe and Dawn Carlson.
