Crossfield is still looking for volunteers to help out on the busiest two days of the year for the small town – Pete Knight Days, which takes place June 8 and 9.
Liquor ticket sellers are in high demand for both days, said Tim Welter, Crossfield Rodeo Society president. Volunteers are also needed to take tickets at the door for the dances, clean up the grounds and help out in the office and corral.
“If you care for preserving the culture, and the event, it’s well worth it for anyone to join on,” said Ian Least, a volunteer and former rodeo president.
From amateur saddle bronc riding to volunteering and leadership, Least’s involvement with the event has spanned more than two decades.
“I enjoy being a part of it, and I know at 61, I probably shouldn’t be trying to do some of these little things,” Least said.
He said he caught the rodeo bug early, and his addiction to the saddle keeps bringing him back. When he knew he couldn’t take the buck anymore, volunteering was an opportunity to keep his hand in the rodeo.
However, Welter noted volunteers don’t need a rodeo background to help. Many on the volunteer committee have no such background, and the event offers more than the actual rodeo.
Breakfast will be held both mornings, along with dances at night, a demolition derby and more. Help is needed all over, Walters said.
Least estimates more than 2,000 people attend Pete Knight Days every year, throughout the course of two days – while the community’s entire population is less than 3,000. It’s the biggest event in the community, he said.
Volunteers must be 18 or older to sell liquor tickets, Welter said. Other volunteer positions don’t have an age limit, he added, but experience is highly recommended for anyone working in the corral with riders, bulls or horses.
More information on volunteering and the event can be found at infopeteknightdays.wixsite.com/rodeo
