3 minute read
Sun Parlour Rodeo rides off into the sunset this weekend
By Mark Ribble
It’s been a wild ride for the Pavao family and although one chapter of their lives is coming to a conclusion, they can safely ride off into the sunset knowing how much they’ve helped their beloved community.
The Sun Parlour Rodeo will present its 20th — and final — weekend on August 5 and 6 on the expansive piece of property on County Rd. 18 (4th Concession) they’ve come to be known for.
It all started in 2001 with an idea from the mind of John Pavao and his friends, which had the five Pavao family members and good friend Nelson Carvalho laying out the plans for the event.
Fast forward 22 years (two years were missed during COVID) and the Pavao family is wrapping up the longest standing rodeo in Ontario with these two shows.
“We’ve had amazing support from the community,” said Stephanie Pavao on behalf of the committee that plans the event. “It’s what I remember as a child.”
For Stephanie Pavao, the rodeo became more than just an annual event to look forward to. She and her siblings have worked hard over the years to make the rodeo happen and she’s met lots of friends along the way.
Rawhide Rodeo, the company that puts on the event, has been there since the beginning.
“Rawhide has really become family to us,” says Stephanie. “Our children are growing up together.”
These bonds and friendships are what make putting on the last show a bittersweet moment for all involved.
“One of our first trick riders the first year now has her daughter performing in this show,” said Stephanie.
This year’s weekend is already sold out, with ticket sales at the four local ticket outlets brisk ever since they went on sale. Stephanie says that they won’t be selling tickets at the gate or online,and encourages those who do have tickets to show up early for good parking and good seating.
“The gates will open at 3 pm for the 6 pm show, and I know people will think that’s early, but we’re encouraging them to come, grab their seats, get some food and settle in for a great show,” she said. “We want to end this last one on a positive note.”
She and her committee promise a great show for those in attendance and of course, all proceeds go to charity — something they’ve been keying on since day one.
“We are a small but mighty committee that just wanted to make a difference,” she added.
And make a difference, they have.
Erie Shores Health Foundation (Leamington Hospital), W.E. Care for Kids Foundation, The Hospice of Windsor Essex County Inc. – Erie Shores Campus, The Bridge, The Bank Theatre, Ronald McDonald House, Windsor Essex Advocacy Centre, Ivey Eye Canadian Institute for the Blind, Kingsville Minor Baseball and Erie North Shore Storm Hockey have all benefited from the last 19 events and a total of over $800,000 has been distributed.
When that final cowboy takes off his boots on Sunday, August 6, it will spell the end of an era for rodeo in Leamington and the Pavao family can walk away with their heads held high for the great work they’ve done for the community.
