Organizers for the Drayton Valley Pro Rodeo are happy to say this year was a success.
Gus Pietsch says tickets were sold out for Saturday, with both Friday and Sunday also close to capacity.
In total, they had about 3,600 spectators for the rodeo.
The Horses and Hooch dance, hosted by the Drayton Valley Lions Club, was also a hit, says Pietsch. Tickets for that event were also sold out.
“It was sensational,” says Pietsch. “It was good to see the rodeo celebrated the whole week. It really felt like the event was growing more than just the rodeo, which is good.”
There were events held all over the community, including barbecues, a parade, and a chilli cook-off.
He says the feedback from residents was positive, especially regarding the parade. Pietsch says there are already people who are eager to sign up for the parade next year.
This year the rodeo gave out $90,144.12 in winnings to the cowgirls and cowboys who participated. There were eight categories this year, each with its own winner.
The winner for bareback riding was Ty Taypotat who took first place with 89 points on Duffy Rodeo’s 901 Miss Demeanor. Chase Tkach earned the win for steer wrestling with a time of 3.5 seconds. In team roping, Tate Schmidt and Kagen Schmidt took first place with a time of 3.6 seconds. Kole Ashbacher scored 87 points on Duffy Rodeo’s 37 Mojo Nixon in saddle bronc riding, earning himself first place. For tie-down roping, Jason Smith held first place with 8.4 seconds. Taylor-Jane Gardner won in the ladies barrel racing with a time of 13.34 seconds. Shaya Biever earned top spot for her time of two seconds in breakaway roping.
