While the Calgary Stampede—The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth—is in full swing down south, the grass roots of rodeo are testing the cowboys and entertaining crowds in communities across rural Alberta.
The Stoney Lake Stampede offered the full slate of rodeo events on Saturday and Sunday. Bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing were all on the card along with other events. It was a weekend of sunshine and dust, with plenty of speed, skill, and strength on display.
Regional rodeos are the proving ground for competitors as they advance up the ranks and establish their pro careers. They’re also very popular as social events, drawing communities together in a spirit of rivalry and traditional cowboy revelry.
Food concessions, beer gardens, and a dance are all part of the fun.
Stoney Lake, near Elk Point, has a long tradition of rodeo—this weekend’s annual Stampede was the community’s 59th.
A lot of action and a lot of fun: competitors and animals bring a lot of attitude to the sport,
while professional rodeo clown Tyson Wagner offers family-friendly entertainment between
the dust-ups in the ring. Photos by JEFF GAYE
The Stoney Lake Stampede paid tribute to longtime board members Joe Tymofichuk and Fred Wirsta, both of whom had passed away since last year’s rodeo. At Sunday’s opening ceremony the two men’s horses were led into the ring fully saddled, and the attendees observed a moment of silence. JEFF GAYE