The Arcola High School Rodeo was a great success. Many attended throughout the weekend to watch and partake in the many events offered.
The two days were filled with an abundance of action and excitement. The weather was warm and beautiful, which was enjoyed despite the wind. It was a great weekend enjoyed by all.
In the Junior High School events there were quite a few riders entered. In junior barrels 12 youth tried their hands at racing, while in boys breakaway there were 11 competitors. There were 11 in boys goat tying, while chute dogging also saw 11 competitors. Girls breakaway saw five competitors, goat tying 10, and junior poles 12. Then there were eight teams in both the junior ribbon roping and team roping events, with one youth competing in tie down roping. There were eight brave youth who rode bulls.
The High School Rodeo began following the Junior High School Rodeo. This event saw 47 youth entered into the senior barrels, 29 in breakaway roping, 30 in the senior girls goat tying, 46 entered in pole bending, and 17 teams in team roping. Only four braved riding bulls, three rode saddle broncs, six entered into steer wrestling, and 16 for tie down roping. The senior girls cutting event was held with eight competitors.
There were two competitors hosting the event, Cassie and Zach Eaton of Arcola. Cassie competed in the senior girls events of barrel racing, breakaway roping, cutting, goat tying, and poles. An extremely talented competitor many in the stands came out to cheer her and her brother on. Zach competed in the Junior High School Rodeo where he was entered in breakaway roping, goat tying, and team roping.
Another local competitor was Celina Cummins from Kennedy. She competed in the Junior High School Rodeo where she entered barrel racing, goat tying, pole bending, and ribbon roping.
Funds raised over the weekend will go towards the Arcola High School Rodeo team to help their club thrive and continue to grow. One of the fundraising efforts included crowning the Arcola High School Rodeo Princess. Through donations and votes a princess was crowned, though the princess ran unopposed many were happy to make donations. In the end Alisha Fleck gained a sash and a tiara looking like the true rodeo princess she was crowned as.
Following the Arcola High School action on Friday, Aug. 31, and Saturday, Sept. 1, many made the trip north to Kennedy where another high school rodeo was waiting to be enjoyed.
Both days in Kennedy were again a bit windy, but the warm sun was enjoyed. Those manning the fire truck had fun wetting the arena throughout the two-day event as they were able to soak those in the crowd due to the direction of the wind and water spray.
Sunday, Sept. 2, began with a Cowboy Church Service, which was followed by the start of the Junior High School Rodeo. There were 11 youth entered in junior barrel racing, as well as boys breakaway roping and boy's goat tying. Nine were entered into the bull riding competition and 12 in chute dogging. Five girls competed in breakaway roping, 10 in goat tying, and 11 in pole bending. There were seven teams in both ribbon roping and team roping, while there was a single competitor in tie down roping.
This was followed by the Senior High School Rodeo. One person competed in the bareback competition, while four braved the dangers of riding bulls. There were 44 who raced barrels, 28 in breakaway roping, 27 for goat tying, and 42 for pole bending. There were three cowboys in saddle bronc riding, six steer wrestling, 16 teams for team roping, and 15 for tie down roping.
Competitors at both rodeos did a fantastic job. They are highly skilled and perform at elite levels.
The next action for the High School Rodeo Association circuit will be OK Corral on the weekend of the 8th and 9th, Melfort on the 22nd and 23rd, and a showing at the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina on Monday, Nov. 19.
