4 minute read
Dash to Summer
Dash to Summer
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
The Vegreville Agricultural Society (VAS) kicked-off its summer season with fun and heart-pounding rural-style activities on May 31, June 1 and 2.
The event featured the grand reopening of the grandstand on May 31. All three days featured the Alberta Professionals Chariot and Chuckwagon Association (APCCA) races.
Race Coordinator Shane Cartier said, “There were around 20 chuckwagon and 26 chariot racers.
There was one rookie chariot driver and one rookie chuckwagon driver. The rest were all veterans.
We had drivers coming to compete from all over the province.”
Announcer Terry Cartier admitted that he hasn’t raced for 10 years but had raced for over 20 years prior to that. When asked what it is like to race, he replied, “It is good. It takes a lot of work. The best part is racing and when the horn goes and the barreling happens. Then you have to race with three or four other outfits and try to race them and beat them to the finish line.
To be successful, you need to pick good quality running horses. You need to exercise them every day for the long track. You can give them a day or two off. Then you need to train them and break them properly.
I do miss racing. This is why I came to announce this show.”
On the (VAS) Facebook page it was noted that the Champions were Breanna O’Connor (chariots) and Jack Stott (chuckwagon) driver by John Stott with a total of 207.13 seconds raced! That’s approximately 69.04 seconds each day with her fastest time being 67.70 on day two.
Jack Stott and John Stott with a total of 205.35 seconds raced; approximately 68.45 seconds raced each day with his fastest time being 67.47 on day two.
Meet the Drivers’ Pancake Breakfast was featured at the VAS Dining Hall. At this time, there was the Cowboy Church where musicians from St. John’s Lutheran Church musicians performed hymns and Christian songs as well as recited spiritual messages.
There were humourous races too. Courtnei Davies, Coordinator for the Human Chicken Costume Races and Animal Chicken Races, explained, “The human chicken costume races were for some wholesome entertainment between the chariot and chuck wagons races. People loved the silliness of the chicken races so we figured why not make it even more silly! These races were like an obstacle course.
We had 10 chickens at the animal chicken races; it went quite well. We had a great crowd come out and fun was had by all.”
June 1 and 2 rode in with the Open Horse Show. Chair Russell Crowe explained, “We had 55 horses which is pretty much on par with what we usually have each year.
Contestants are asked to enter the ring and be judged on their ability and horses' ability upon strategic movements and gaits of the horses. Being for many the first show of the year it's a great way to iron out the kinks of winter and learn what they need to work on to grow into stronger riders and develop their horses as well as earn placings and win prize money and titles.”
Participant Lindsey Gillingham from Tofield trained her horse Lyric for this show. “I named this horse that because she likes music. She is only two. I started showing her last year. I have been participating in horse shows since I was 10 which is 31 years. My favorite parts are trying different skills and learning new skills with my horses.
The challenge in showmanship and halter is making sure that they stand still; if the bugs start biting, this can be hard as the horses are paying attention to other stuff, and for the trails, it is the obstacles and you want to make sure they are focused on what their task is.”
June 1 threw some light-hearted competition when the first-ever Vegreville Bean Bag/Corn Hole Tournament was offered.
