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Canada’s Top Bull Riders Compete in Kinsella
Canada’s Top Bull Riders Compete in Kinsella
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Hundreds of fans packed into the bleachers to watch some of Canada’s top cowboys at the 24th annual Kinsella Bullarama at the Graveldome the evening of July 24. The ever-popular long running event is hosted by the Kinsella Recreation & Ag Society and made possible through the hard work and effort of volunteers and widespread support of sponsors.
Generosity was in abundance as Courage Canada Trail Ride Founder Curtis Anderson presented a $1,000 cheque to the Veterans Association. Mac McKie, also presented a $1,000 cheque on behalf of the Kinsella Bullarama Committee to the Veterans Association’s Food Bank Program. The organization also provides social networking programs, pet promise program, wills and estate planning and a thrift store.
Local quilter Jane Hinecker presented one of her quilts to Veteran Jim Thomson. The quilt was adorned with Canada’s national symbol, the Maple Leaf. It was the third time Hinecker had presented a Quilt of Valour at the event.
Thomson said he received his Quilt of Valour nine or 10 years ago and said he felt more honoured to receive the quilt than the medals he earned while serving in the military for 15 years. He said the quilt meant more because it came from the people of Canada.
He was proud to say that 20,000 quilts have been donated to veterans throughout Canada. He has traveled to Medicine Hat, Whitehorse, and most recently, Penticton to present quilts to veterans.
The cowboys put on an exciting show and the crowd really enjoyed the Wild Pony Race that was won by all-girls team of Brooklyn Lee, Olivia and Allison Nordstrom out of Viking.
By the end of the evening, it was Claresholm cowboy Griffin Smeltzer who took home top prize money and memorial trophy buckle that was presented by Mac and Doug McKie in honour of Lorraine McKie and Cody McKie.
