By Carson Ellis
For the Independent
The Big West High School Rodeo came to the Stettler Agricultural grounds on May 21 and 22. The Big West club hosted participants from all across central Alberta.
The Great West Club has been hosting their event in Lindale, Alta., for the last 26 years.
This year, unsure about what resources such as hospitals might be available in affected areas, the club made the decision to host the event in Stettler due to the Northern Alberta fires. According to club president Kevin Vig, it was a hard decision to look elsewhere for safety.
VIDEO:
The club then had a week to make the necessary arrangements. Vig and the members of the club are grateful for the support of their sponsors as well as the amazing assistance from those in the Stettler area that helped facilitate the movement of their event, especially Rocky Ross and family who were able to provide stock for their timed events and the Stettler Ag Society for making their facility available and providing the tractor to rake the arenas.
Intermission on Monday saw the club presenting the club’s 6th Annual Cowboy Spirit Award in Memory of Susan Hines. The award goes to a participant who has demonstrated sportsmanship in and out of the saddle. The winner is always ready to help, takes a win with a humble appreciation and takes a loss with their head held high. Charlee Resch received the award.
This was the last event in the season for the participants to earn points.
Alberta High School Rodeo Provincials take June 1-4.
