August has been the month of rodeos for Gillian and I. In total, we attended five rodeos last month. It has been an amazing experience to represent the Airdrie Pro Rodeo at these rodeos as well as community events.
On Aug. 6 and 7, we travelled south to the Millarville Rodeo. We did wave rides and chased cattle out for some of the timed events. We were lucky to have beautiful weather. Gillian and I then headed north on Aug. 19 to Gillian’s hometown, Didsbury. The rodeo there was well attended and again, gorgeous weather. We carried the Canadian and Alberta flag at grand entry. We were also on cattle chase out duty for all of the timed events. Finally, our bios were read during our wave rides at intermission.
Aug. 20 brought with it the Calgary Police Rodeo at the Airdrie Pro Rodeo Grounds. It was a very busy day for us. Gillian bore the Canadian flag for the national anthem. Again, we chased cattle out for the various timed events. There were a lot of entries this year as they expanded the rodeo to include members from the Calgary Fire Department. The CPS Rodeo has always been one of my favourites.
Along with rodeos we attend all kinds of community events. The Airdrie Fall Fair on Aug. 21 was no exception. The Airdrie Ag Society had a successful fair this year. The entries were of exceptional quality. It was very cool to see how talented the residents of Airdrie and area are. We were honoured to present the winners with their prizes. The Airdrie Agricultural Society representative Brenda Moon and Mayor Peter Brown were also in attendance. They are such wonderful people and we are so lucky to know them.
Gillian made the trek to the WPCA Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller on Aug. 26. She carried the Canadian Flag for the national anthem. She also had a great time selling 50/50 tickets. The next day, Gillian and I headed back to the Airdrie Pro Rodeo Grounds. The Airdrie Oilman’s Association held their Bikes & Bulls Charity Event. This was also a CPRA Sanctioned event giving some of our bull riders a chance to make the Canadian Finals Rodeo. In the afternoon, we watched part of the ‘Bike Rodeo,’ which was highly entertaining. The evening brought some of the best bull riding I have seen in a while. During grand entry, I had the opportunity to carry the Airdrie Pro Rodeo Ranch Association Flag. It was a phenomenal feeling; I’m proud of Airdrie and my title.
The last event of August was the Second Annual $10 Hair Cut Day at The Hair Lounge. One hundred per cent of the proceeds were donated to the Airdrie Food Bank. They will be putting the funds towards the R.J. Hawkey Breakfast Program and Snack Attack program. We supervised the children in the bouncy houses for part of the day. During the afternoon we tried our hand at face painting. The children were impressed at least. Gillian and I both love children and sparking their interest for rodeo.
August has been a fantastic whirlwind of epic adventures. My experience thus far has been nothing short of spectacular. The Airdrie Pro Rodeo Ranch Association has been extremely helpful. Gillian and I endeavour to represent this wonderful city at many more functions during our reign.
Look for us in September at Airdrie Fest on Sept. 10, the Heartland Pet Expo and Bethany Fall Fair on Sept. 17, and the Hanna Rodeo on Sept. 24. See you down the trail.
