The Community
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Press 115 Years of Telling YOUR Story
Volume 116 Issue 03
www.thecommunitypress.com
Flagstaff hosting youth camp - Page 11
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 s
Non-Stop Action at Hardisty Rodeo
ALLY ANDERSON PHOTO
Leslie Cholowsky Editor Hardisty kicked off its 75th Rodeo celebration on Friday, July 14, with a Street Fair that offered fun for all ages, starting with a pancake breakfast at the Community Hall. The street fair had a ton of vendors, lots of games and activities for the kiddies, and this year featured a dunk tank with local celebrities, including Mayor Wayne Jackson taking his turn on the platform. Indigenous dancers were enjoyed by all, as well as performances from the Battle River Dance Group. The Hardisty Elks served Beef on a Bun to a big crowd. Three days of rodeo events started Friday evening, followed by an outdoor dance. Saturday started with the big parade, and it was bigger and better than ever, with lots of local floats, all celebrating the 75th year of the event. Hundreds of people lined
Hardisty’s street to catch the fun. Day two of the rodeo followed, with chariots and chuckwagons starting at 5. Saturday night featured two talented performances, starting with Tim and The Glory Boys, and ending with Tyler Joe Miller, followed by another outdoor dance. Sunday saw the rodeo start up at 1 p.m., followed by more racing, and finishing with the traditional Combine Crunch. As Mayor Jackson said, “The Hardisty Rodeo Association has put together a special program this year to honour the history of our local rodeo and our supporters. “Countless hours have been spent painting the corrals and paneling at the rodeo grounds for the upcoming celebrations. It looks amazing down there!” The campground was full to overflowing, and Jackson also extended kudos to the Ag. Society Lake staff and Hardisty Public Works for ensuring the town’s recreation areas were looking sharp for the rodeo weekend. “Great
job, team!” Jackson had nothing but praise for the Hardisty Rodeo Association members, saying, “ The work you put in is unmeasurable. This groupworks year-round to make sure our rodeo weekend is a success. These guys and gals have kept our rodeo thriving through droughts, storms and pandemics. “If you bump into one of the HRA members, make sure to thank them for their contributions.” He also praised all volunteers who worked throughout the weekend, “From cooking breakfast and flipping burgers, painting at the grounds, running the beer gardens, selling tickets and so, so much more. Thank you!” The Hardisty Rodeo continues to offer an experience that rivals that of larger centres through the incredible work of the Rodeo Association and many other volunteers, that was clearly in evidence this weekend. Photos from weekend on Pages 12 & 13