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Hairy Hill Rodeo Embodies Spirit of Founder Peter Sawchuk
Hairy Hill Rodeo Embodies Spirit of Founder Peter Sawchuk
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Peter Sawchuk was best described as a “tough rodeo cowboy” and the founder of the Hairy Hill Rodeo left an indelible mark on the sport and on members of his family, his many friends, fellow community members and stalwart rodeo fans.
Sawchuk passed away on Nov. 26, 2019, but his life and legacy continues to live on.
To pay tribute to Sawchuk, who founded the rodeo 33 years ago, and served as President of the Hairy Hill Rodeo Association, a special memorial was set up in his honour for this year’s rodeo which took place on July 7 and 8 near the hamlet of Hairy Hill on land the family owns.
Peter’s wife Violet said they lived only a few miles away from the rodeo grounds that are positioned between the rolling hills and Watt Lake. Violet said Peter had a vision and really liked the view of the area.
Their boys Glen and Mark also loved rodeo. Glen would compete in bareback riding and Mark would compete in wild horse races and Violet said he built it for them. The girls, Marcia and Gloria, loved horses and would participate in gymkhana.
Mark said he remembers construction of the rodeo grounds, a place that’s near and dear to his heart. It’s not only a place where he’s competed, but where he proposed to his wife and had wedding pictures taken.
Mark was sporting the belt buckle his team won in the wild horse race in 2009. It must have brought him luck because he and his teammates Steve Schlegel and Orrin Roessler won first place in this year’s wild horse race. Mark was especially proud to have his son Layne present the buckles to them following the July 8 rodeo performance.
Violet remarked that it felt like Peter was watching from afar and would be happy to see so many people enjoying the rodeo.
Peter would also be proud of Mark, who took over as President of the Hairy Hill Rodeo Association a few months ago.
It takes many members and volunteers to put on the rodeo, around 50 in total.
Mark’s siblings and mom play a huge role in the success of the rodeo. As for Violet, she served as secretary up until last year. Since day one she has phoned sponsors and has affectionately been given the title of ‘Hairy Hill Rodeo Queen’. Violet said it takes so much work to put on the rodeo, but is so thankful they have really good volunteers who make it all work.
Violet and Peter were married on July 14, 1962. Admittedly, running a farm and raising a family of four was a lot of hard work, but they carved out a life full of meaning and purpose, giving back to the people they love, the land they love and the sport of rodeo they love.
