KERROBERT — The Kerrobert Rodeo grounds came to life over the July 4 weekend, with trucks, trailers and critters galore filling every nook and cranny, as riders looked to make the grade through the slack to perform later in the day.
The Friday night event started with jackpots for barrel racing and team roping before the broncs and bulls were loaded into the chutes for the rodeo slack on the mornings of July 5 and 6. Kendal Fletcher, a committee member for the Kerrobert Rodeo, said they had over 400 entries for the entire weekend — a record for them.
“We were thrilled with how the rodeo went. Our beer gardens were full and our crowd was active and involved,” she added.
Although the Sunday morning slack saw a bit of wind and overcast skies, it was the afternoon performance that had spectators running for cover as the rain clouds rolled in and let loose heavy showers. But that did not stop the show, as competitors continued regardless of how wet and cold they were.
“We also had a record number of spectators this year, including Sunday’s crowd despite the rain. We saw the most community support we ever have this year as well, including many businesses decorating their windows for rodeo week,” added Fletcher.
Spectators were excited to see some locals compete over the weekend. Husband and wife Brent and Jen Flahr, who are also committee members, competed alongside their two daughters, Heatley and Sawyer. Brent competed in team roping, while Jen barrel raced. Heatley placed in junior breakaway both days, as well as in Sunday’s team roping, and Sawyer competed in the junior barrel race. Another committee member, Sydney Hooper, placed in barrel racing and breakaway roping on Saturday, and Fletcher won the breakaway roping average.
Other locals who took part in the weekend-long event included Mark and Nicole Sayers of Kerrobert, competing in tie-down roping and barrel racing, respectively; Emma Zerr of Kerrobert, a local peewee barrel racer; Annie Cholin of Kerrobert, who barrel raced on Friday; and Kevin Hooper of Plenty, who entered in team roping.
The weekend wrapped up with the crowning of the first Cougar Queen, won by Amy Wright, with Cholin winning Cougar Princess. Wright, who was asked by one of the committee members to run for the Cougar Queen contest, said she knew it would be a close race between competitors.
“I was a jamboree committee member and chairperson for the Rodeo and Horse Show for 20 years. It’s a great organization and was a privilege and fun to run for the contest,” said Wright.
Fletcher said the Kerrobert KCRA Rodeo committee was appreciative of the support they received — from spectators, contestants, sponsors and especially volunteers.
