The past month has been what the rodeo circuit calls ‘Cowboy Christmas’, but this year, with the amount of cool events to cover, I figured it was more like Covy Christmas.
It all began at the end of June with the Airdrie Pro Rodeo. I grew up in Airdrie, so rodeo has always been a summer pastime of mine. I remember years ago, when I was knee high to a grasshopper, making my way down all the way to the chutes – before my dad found out where I was and promptly got me back into the fenced off hill at the grounds. This year, I was behind the chutes for my job. I love spending time out at the grounds and shooting the excitement that is the busy rodeo week in Airdrie.
One week later is the Calgary Stampede. This event is another one branded in my memory from my days as a child. My first Calgary Stampede was in 1989, when I was all of 15-months-old and I haven’t missed one since. My photojournalism teacher, Frank Shufletoski, once told me ‘if you can’t get a good photo at a concert or at rodeo, you don’t need to be in this business.’ One of my favorite parts of going into Calgary for six out of the 10 days, aside from digging up local stories and shooting the biggest ticket in rodeo is hanging out with Shufletoski, who makes sure to come down and see which graduates are still making the rounds in the photojournalism game.
Towards the end of the Stampede, every other year, is the Airdrie Regional Airshow. For years, I had a fear of flying, but the first time I had the opportunity to fly in an aerobatic plane, that fear disappeared. Now I find myself in awe of the men and women who participate in airshows. Photo wise, they are amazing to cover, and this year’s show was no exception. I can’t pick out a favourite act, but the Canadian Snowbirds always bring out the patriotic side in me.
After the airshow is the type of event I am most passionate about: racing. The stars of the IndyCar Series make their annual stop in Edmonton and I am lucky enough to be working with Motorsport.com and have the opportunity to cover a whole selection of events. But there is something special about the race being in your own backyard. I shot this year’s Indianapolis 500, but not having to take multiple flights and pack 10-days worth of clothing and photo gear onto an airplane makes the Edmonton event a breeze.
This year’s race didn’t disappoint, as fan favourite Will Power took the checkered flag on a brand new race track. Despite being a little under the weather for the event, I got some pretty great shots.
We are now about two-thirds through Covy Christmas, and while you are reading this I will be spending some time over at Genesis Place covering the Canada Cup gymnastics event. (See related story on page 28). While I am not overly versed in the rules and regulations of the trampoline and tumbling game, it makes for some incredible photos.
Covy Christmas is officially capped off with the Airdrie Car Show, which also falls on my dad’s birthday. Unfortunately, my father will be out of the province on his birthday, but that won’t stop us from having a relaxing evening and some home-brews when he gets back.
I hope you all have had as fun a summer as I have. I quite often hear people saying there isn’t much to do in and around Airdrie, but if you all have enjoyed Covy Christmas as much as I have, I am sure it was great.
