Coast Mountain News Thursday, July 7, 2011
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$1.00 + HST Vol. 27 | No.14 Thursday, July 7, 2011
photo credit Hans Granander
Local cowgirl Rachel Chatman is presented with the buckle for Peewee Goat Tail Tying by Rodeo Queen Tyanna Dixon
Bella Coola rodeo spurs excitement BY CHRISTINA BOUCHER It may have been cold and rainy this past Canada Day weekend, but the spirits of rodeo-goers were not dampened. A strong attendance at the three-day event revealed that the love for riding, roping, and racing can’t be shaken by a few raindrops. Several improvements have been made to the rodeo grounds infrastructure in the past year.
Routine upgrades included the replacement of aging wooden bullpens with new steel pens. New footings and porches were installed on the concession building in response to last fall’s flooding. Nearly all buildings had received a good scrubbing to remove the silt deposited from the flood as well. Increased prize money this year contributed to the success of the event, and to bull riding in
particular. Thanks to local businesses that stepped up with additional sponsorship dollars! Initially, registration was down by 30 contestants, but 10 more were gained after adding increased funds to the prizes. The two head option on saddle bronc and bareback bronc also helped to increase registration. This new twist gives the cowboy two chances to win, and most likely doubled the number of bronc rid-
ers signed up. However, the audience enjoyed seeing local guys and gals in the ring, such as Pee Wee Goat Tail Tying Buckle winner Rachel Chatham and returning Rodeo Queen Tyanna Dixon. Several local men also impressed fans on the Gentleman’s Cow Ride: Chris Knudsen, David Enderud, Erik Granander, and John Sissons, to name a few. Just as local talent was repre-
sented in center stage, so was it represented behind the scenes. Countless volunteers helped out in many ways, from providing resources for the livestock and building maintenance in the past year, to selling tickets and cooking up the delicious rodeo burgers on the weekend itself. Thank you to all the volunteers – without you, the event would not be what it is: getting better and better every year!