Over the last two decades, Doug Young’s voice has boomed over the loud speakers during the Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo at the Civic Centre.
As the 48th edition took place this weekend in front of packed crowds, Young was quick to point out that the work of the rodeo committee is the biggest key to the event’s continued success.
“Everyone involved with the Kinsmen goes to the nth degree to make sure everyone has a great time,” Young said. “You have three opportunities to fill the building, which can be hard to do, but that isn’t an issue with what takes place here.
“This is a group that is very rodeo knowledgeable and they do an excellent job of structuring all three days. The best competition and best stock are here in North Battleford and I think that’s why you see a great show here year after year.”
When it comes to the 2018 edition of the rodeo, the amount of competitors that came from all over Western Canada was what stood out for organizing committee member Heath Gabruch.
“This year we had the Lakeland Rodeo Association from Olds, Alta. help to sanction the event with us as a trial run, and I think we were able to see a rise in competitors not only from Central Alberta where they are based, but also from British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan,” Gabruch said.
“It really helps to bring the caliber of the entire weekend up when you have a dynamic cross section of cowboys. For a rodeo lover, that strong competition is something you love to see.”
After adding a big screen for fans to watch the action and putting in a bonus round Sunday afternoon to round out the weekend a year ago, many of the changes for this past weekend’s rodeo were done behind the scenes.
“There’s things you learn every year,” Gabruch said. “The times change and people change, and we always recognize that you can’t just keep things status quo and expect everything to be okay.
“The cowboys really seemed to like the bonus round in 2017 and we decided to bring it back again this year with how well it went. When you get great feedback from those that are involved with the event, it makes it easy to bring it back.”
According to results from the Canadian Cowboys Association website, event crowns went to Hunter Sawley (saddle bronc), Blair Smith (tie down roping), Ty Livingston (steer wrestling), Lisa Groves (barrel racing), Cruz McNulty (novice bareback riding) and Janae Wilson (junior girls’ barrel racing)
Brady Bertram and Keifer Larson shared the bareback riding title, while the tandem of Chase Holbrook and Tylan Holbrook won the team roping event.
No rides were recorded in the bull riding competition.
Although the 2018 rodeo wrapped up a couple of days ago, plans are already in motion for the 49th edition.
“There are certain things that we do as soon as the rodeo concludes Sunday, and that ranges from making sure that Doug is back as our master of ceremonies next year and that we have the same stock contractors with us,” Gabruch said.
“We always hope that it’s a smooth running event and it was just that this year. Considering the warmer weather, we weren’t sure what the crowds would be like, but lots of people came out and we’re all appreciative of their support.”
