CANORA - On Aug. 24, at around the projected start time of the first day of chuckwagon racing at Canora Ag Days, track announcer Bryce Young had an unpleasant responsibility to all those looking forward to chuckwagon racing.
“Due to concerns with the safety of the track for drivers, the chuckwagon races for tonight have been cancelled.”
Members of the Canora Agricultural Society knew their time was short if they wanted to have chuckwagon racing the following evening. Fortunately, they managed to make sure the job was done and the track safety issues were dealt with. Two posts on the Canora Agricultural Society on Aug. 25 gave further details.
“We would like to apologize for last night’s, last minute cancellation of EPCCA Chuckwagon races. Safety for all was our main priority. Equipment was brought in to address the concerns and work continues this morning in hopes of getting the track in safe working order.”
And then in a second later post:
“After a long night of working on the race track we have been approved by the race association to go ahead with the races. There will be no admission for today! A huge shout out to Sean Wilson for coming at the drop of a hat to help us make this happen!”
Before the start of the chuckwagon races on Aug. 25, Bryce Young shared the Wagon Driver’s Prayer.
“Heavenly Father, we pause, mindful of the many blessings You have bestowed upon us. We ask that You be with us at these races, and we pray that You will guide us on the race track of life.
We don’t ask for special favours, or to draw the rail every time, nor do we ask for all daylight runs or to never tip a barrel.
“Help us Lord to live our lives in such a manner that when we make that last, inevitable ride to the country where the grass grows lush, green and neck yoke high, and the water runs cool, clear and deep, that You, as our last judge, will tell us that our entry fees are paid. Amen.”
Due to the track issues on the first day, chuckwagon races were only held on Aug. 25.
The top five times belonged to: Kevin Hawreluik of Sheho (first), Ben Gareau of Aberdeen (second and fifth on two different rigs), Riley Braaten of Archerwill (third), and Carol Hooge of Hudson Bay (fourth).
In addition to the top five, other chuckwagon heat winners were: Cody Leach (Weekes), Vivian Rooks (Swan River, Man.) Shayne Salmond (Invermay), Kevin Gareau (Bellevue) and Kelvin Young (Weekes).
Chariot races went on both days, and the top five fishers overall were: Colin Kilborn of Naicam (first), Heidi Leach of Weekes (second), Ryan Peterson of Kelvington (third), Ben Gareau of Aberdeen (fourth) and Hayden Rooks of Minitonas, Man. (fifth).
Other heat winners during the two days of chariot racing were: Shaelynn Gareau (Bellevue),Brianne Sherwood (Porcupine Plain), Floyd Hooge (Hudson Bay), Jonathan Bell (Invermay). Colleen Galloway (Swan River, Man.), Twyla Salmond (Porcupine Plain). Brandee Braaten (Naicam), Tanner Hawreluik (Sheho), Kelvin Young (Weekes) and Frank Fiddler (Kelvington),
Gymkhana events were held on both days.
Weepee Aug. 24 (8 & under)
Barrels: Aspen Salmond of Invermay riding Danny (first), Aspen Salmond of Invermay riding Red (second), Autumn Salmond of Invermay riding Roy (third).
Poles: Aspen Salmond of Invermay riding Danny (first), Aspen Salmond of Invermay riding Red (second), Autumn Salmond of Invermay riding Roy (third).
Fun Event: Aspen Salmond of Invermay riding Danny (first), Aspen Salmond of Invermay riding Red (second), Kasen Bulmer of Tisdale riding Buddy (third).
Aug. 25
Barrels: Aspen Salmond of Invermay riding Danny (first), Aspen Salmond of Invermay riding Red (second), Autumn Salmond of Invermay riding Roy (third).
Poles: Aspen Salmond of Invermay riding Red (first), Aspen Salmond of Invermay riding Danny (second), Autumn Salmond of Invermay riding Roy (third).
Fun Event: Aspen Salmond of Invermay riding Danny (first), Aspen Salmond of Invermay riding Red (second), Autumn Salmond of Invermay riding Roy (third).
Aspen Salmon was the Hi Point Weepee Rider for Canora Ag Days.
Peewee Aug. 24 (9-12 years)
Barrels: Madison Auchstaetter of Pelly riding Fancy (first), Emma Young of Weekes riding Squirrel (second), Jackson Rooks of Swan River, Man. riding Big Red (third).
Poles: Madison Auchstaetter of Pelly riding Fancy (first), Rebecca Fyfe of Nipawin riding Tuff (second), Emma Young of Weekes riding Squirrel (third).
Fun Event: Madison Auchstaetter of Pelly riding Fancy (first), Emma Young of Weekes riding Squirrel (second), Rebecca Fyfe of Nipawin riding Tuff (third).
Aug. 25
Barrels: Madison Auchstaetter of Pelly riding Fancy (first), Emma Young, Weekes riding Squirrel (second), Rebecca Fyfe of Nipawin riding Tuff (third).
Poles: Madison Auchstaetter of Pelly riding Fancy (first), Rebecca Fyfe of Nipawin riding Tuff (second), Jackson Rooks of Swan River riding Big Red (third).
Fun Event: Madison Auchstaetter of Pelly riding Fancy (first), Rebecca Fyfe of Nipawin riding Tuff (second), Emma Young of Weekes riding Squirrel (third).
The Peewee Hi Point winner for Canora Ag Days was Madison Auchstaetter.
Junior Aug. 24 (13-18 years)
Barrels: Hazie Sharpe of Yorkton riding Gringo (first), Kaisley Hrabarchuk of Benito, Man. riding Grace (second), Jaiden Fyfe of Nipawin riding Sully (third).
Poles: Charlie Griffiths of Norquay riding Daisy (first), Keira Lazar of Wadena riding Titan (second), Kaisley Hrabarchuk of Benito, Man. riding Grace (third).
Fun Event: Charlie Griffith of Norquay riding Daisy (first), Kaisley Hrabarchuk of Benito, Man. riding Grace (second), Jaiden Fyfe of Nipawin riding Sully (third).
Aug. 25
Barrels: Jaiden Fyfe of Nipawin riding Sully (first), Charlie Griffiths of Norquay riding Daisy (second), Hazie Sharpe of Yorkton riding Gringo (third).
Poles: Jaiden Fyfe of Nipawin riding Sully (first), Kaisley Hrabarchuk of Benito, Man. riding Grace (second), Keira Lazar of Wadena riding Titan (third).
Fun Event: Hazie Sharpe of Yorkton riding Gringo (first), Jaiden Fyfe of Nipawin riding Sully (second), Charlie Griffith of Norquay riding Daisy (third).
Jaiden Fyfe of Nipawin was the Hi Point Junior Rider for Canora Ag Days.
Senior Aug. 24 (19-40 years)
Barrels: Ashley Nickeson of Melfort riding Rev (first), Lisa Winter of Rokeby riding Fancy (second), Jenna Hutchings of Saltcoats riding Herc (third).
Poles: Ashley Nickeson of Melfort riding Rev (first), Lisa Winter of Rokeby riding Fancy (second), Jenna Hutchings of Saltcoats riding Herc (third).
Fun Event: Jenna Hutchings of Saltcoats riding Herc (first), Ashley Nickeson of Melfort riding Rev (second), Lisa Winter of Rokeby riding Fancy (third).
Aug. 25
Barrels: Jenna Hutchings of Saltcoats riding Herc (first), Ashley Nickeson of Melfort riding Rev (second).
Poles: Ashley Nickeson of Melfort riding Rev (first), Jenna Hutchings of Saltcoats riding Herc (second).
Fun Event: Ashley Nickeson of Melfort riding Rev (first), Jenna Hutchings of Saltcoats riding Herc (second).
There was no Hi Point Rider indicated for seniors.
Elite Aug. 24 (41-plus years)
Barrels: Yvonne Young of Weekes riding Drifter (first), Carmi Hrabarchuk of Benito, Man. riding Cedarwood (second), Sabine Sharpe of Yorkton riding Jackson (third).
Poles: Carmi Hrabarchuk of Benito Man. riding Cedarwood (first), Yvonne Young of Weekes riding Drifter (second), Carmi Hrabarchuk of Benito, Man. riding Tango (third).
Fun Event: Sabine Sharpe of Yorkton riding Jackson (first), Carmi Hrabarchuk of Benito, Man. riding Cedarwood (second), Carmi Hrabarchuk of Benito, Man. riding Tango (third).
Aug. 25
Barrels: Yvonne Young of Weekes riding Drifter (first), Carmi Hrabarchuk of Benito, Man. riding Cedarwood (second), Carla Andreas of Invermay riding Shady (third).
Poles: Carla Andrews of Invermay riding Shady (first), Carmi Hrabarchuk of Benito, Man. riding Cedarwood (second), Yvonne Young of Weekes riding Drifter (third).
Fun Event: Yvonne Young of Weekes riding Drifter (first), Carmi Hrabarchuk of Benito, Man. riding Cedarwood (second), Carla Andrews of Invermay riding Shady (third).
The Hi Point Senior/Elite Rider was Ashley Nickeson of Melfort.
The Eastern Gymhkana Group expressed its gratitude to the Canora Agricultural Society and the Canora area businesses “that provided the goody pails and prizes for the winners of the events. Much appreciated.”
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