Manor held its 34th annual Manor Fun Daze on Saturday July 20 and the standout event of the day was the bull riding.
The PBR touring bull riders of Canada showcased their skills to a large crowd of bull riding enthusiast from across Canada and the US.
The day started a usual pancake breakfast and then a parade at noon which had floats representing various businesses and organizations in the community. The event had 25 riders from across North America and was held at the Manor sports grounds. There were numerous sponsors from across the south east and one of the main organizers Wendy Zandee said Manor Fun Daze carries strong meaning within the community. "This is the only thing we've got left that brings money into Manor and everybody looks forward to it every year. If it wasn't for this I don't know what the organizations would do in the surrounding areas because any money that we make we split up amongst the organizations that need it," she said.
Zandee explained that funds from the pancake breakfast went towards the Aaron Roy Fund. He fractured vertebrae after he was bucked off and stepped on by the bull, High Definition, on day seven of the Calgary stampede.
"He was supposed to be here today to ride but he's lucky that he's walking," Zandee said in sharing her sympathy for the rider.
A rodeo event like Manor Fun Daze is an occasion that according to announcer Racer Botkin brings fans of all ages together. And that was the case on the day as the event provided entertainment for all in attendance, grandparents, parent, teenagers and toddlers. Twelve year olds Callie Efford and Desiree Riddell, residents of Manor, spoke of what the day means for them and their involvement.
"I like the parade, the bull riding the games because it gets me out of the house," Callie said during her lunch time break.
"I get to hang out with friends and do the activities with themit doesn't go on a lot, only a couple every year," Desiree explained chiming in after Callie's comments.
After the parade children had the opportunity to take part in carnival games and win prizes. Cindy Weir a teacher at Manor school has been organizing the children's carnival at the Manor Fun Daze for the last four years and said a lot of the help comes from volunteers.
"We're trying to attract the kids to come out to our rodeo, and come to our PBR event and have something for them to do and we decided to make our own little homemade carnival We have people as far away as Regina who have come to volunteer here and kids running it for the kids," Weir said.
Once it was 5:30 pm, the stands were full and the riders ready, the announcers for the day were Racer Botkin and Ward Cutler who kept the crowd vibrant along with rodeo clown Gordo Bones.
"I'm a long way from where I call home but there's no where else I'd rather be than Canada," Botkin said during the rodeo, commenting on Western Canada's history in the sport.
Saskatchewan native Jesse Torkelson won first place at the event with 173.5 points on two bulls and received the largest share of the $8,000 and added prize money, he spoke about his rides and the win."It was great, two really good bulls . one turned back into my hand and one turned back away from my hand and just kicking and spinning just like you want to get on every time," he said
A beef and pork dinner was available and then there was a cowboy cabaret with music provided by "Ten Mile High." Though the weather resulted in some aspects of the show being canceled, the main event remained on the bill and fans still turned out for the show.
