Sunday, June 3, 2018 (Pineridge Golf and RV Resort, Seba Beach, AB)

We were pretty excited about today...we're going to a rodeo in Stony Plain this afternoon. Dave and Leslie recalled a conversation when they were visiting us on the coast that I had never been to a rodeo, so I'm particularly looking forward to it. The rodeo is part of Farmers' Days Rodeo and Exhibition being held June 1-3 at Heritage Park in Stony Plain...The biggest event of the year! The Stony Plain-Kinsmen Farmers' Days Rodeo and Exhibition is a three-day festival jointly planned by the Town of Stony Plain and the Stony Plain Kinsmen Club. The weekend event features a rodeo, midway with carnival games, and the Kids' Korral, which includes a petting zoo, laser tag, and a toddler activities area. Other activities include the General Store with more than 40 vendors, a pancake breakfast, the Rotary Parade, live entertainment, Kinsmen Saloon, and a non-denominational church service on Sunday morning.

We weren't leaving until about 12:30 so we spent the morning puttering around. We had a video call with our son, Rob to wish him a very Happy Birthday...35 years! Holy Cats...glad we're not getting any older LOL! Of course, it was also wonderful seeing Angie and our grandsons, Conner and Bryce. I worked on blog updates and did a little banking. Steve went out and took pictures of our site...that's hole 8 of the golf course behind us. Most of the sites in this phase have yet to be developed by the individual owners and some lots are still for sale...

Dave and Leslie's site, two down from us. Dave has plans for us to help move the shed he built behind the truck... (that's Leslie's Mustang...nice!!)...

Next thing we knew, it was time to jump in Dave's truck and head into Stony Plain, about a 20 minute drive west towards Edmonton. They have a great shuttle service to transport folks from various parking lots around the area to the exhibition grounds. We found and parked in one of those lots and grabbed the shuttle bus (aka school bus). A great set up!

Yeehaw!...like our straw Budweiser cowboy hats? They were given to us free at a liquor store a year or so ago when Steve purchased his beer...we've never worn them.

We made our way to the rodeo area, paid our entrance fee ($15 ea) and picked our spots on the bleachers...time for a brew...Cheers!

Grooming the dirt before the events start...Steve calls it the Rodeo Zamboni :)

Opening ceremonies...

The first Sunday in June is Canadian Armed Forces Day, so we all showed our appreciation for the sacrifices they make for our freedoms with a standing ovation...

And the action begins! Steve had the telephoto lens on his camera and got some great action shots! He actually took over 600 pictures with the sport setting which rapidly takes photos, so it took a very long time for him to edit them down.

I'll pass this over to Steve to explain the show

They started with Junior riders...

They try to ride it out until the buzzer sounds...

These two Cowboys have to rope or convince the cow to return to the pen...

Hey...that cow for me?

Waiting for the next one. The Cowboy on the far side is...

...a two time Canadian Bull riding champion...

Next up was Calf Roping...

Whoa little doggy!

Okay...you back up a bit and tighten up on that rope...

While I get him on the ground...

Oops...I think I almost hog tied my hand too!

TA DA!

More Junior riders...

They also included some non-rodeo entertainment...leg wrestling...

Next up was Steer Wrestling...

Jumping off his horse onto the Steer...

Roll over dammit!

No...No...not me!

Now stay!

I said stay!

Oh Noooo!

Okay...okay...I give!

Lets see how this guy does...

Looking good...

But the Steer got away...

Maybe this guy can get it done...

He's transferred from his horse...

Got him!

Maybe not???

Did it!!!!

Three women Trick-Riders put on an amazing performance!

Hey...your hats in my way buddy!

Incredible and dangerous bouncing up and down!

Um...no comment...

Slides down to...

... bounce back up from the ground...

...almost on...

...begins to turn around...

...riding backwards...

She was very good!

They make it look so easy...

These young ladies are very talented and were one of the highlights of the show. Every bit as brave as the Cowboys!

Next up was the Ladies Barrel Racing. We thought of you Barb (Jim and Barb's RV Adventure) as she used to do this...

Look at that horse lean in!

Next up was the Saddle Bronc...

His expressions looked quit comical...

He made the buzzer...

And safely transferred over...

Next...

They can only use one hand...

Great ride...

How about this guy...

Oh...oh...why did you stop so suddenly?

Yikes!

Think you're so good...I can do a one arm push up!

And a face plant...

Oh...oh...

Please be gentle!

That was close!!!

Junior Novice Horse riding...

Next...

Next up was Team Roping...

One Cowboy ropes the Steer around the neck...

While the other ropes the hind legs. It's amazing they can do that at a full gallop...what timing!

And the final event of the day was the Bull Riding...

Next up...

Yikes...those hind legs are close!

Next...

OUCH!

Next...

YEE...HAW!!!

Oh no...head first!!!

Ya...you better run you're next!

Here he is kicking up the dirt...pissed as hell. It took them quite awhile to get him into the pen.

Last rider...

Um...we have to stop meeting this way...

Okay...okay...I didn't mean it!

Back to me...

Wow! What a fabulous time! We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon...thanks Dave and Leslie for taking us! Fortunately nobody got hurt but I'm sure there will be some sore bodies. We made our way back to catch the shuttle back to the truck...no midway rides or mini donuts...sorry Leslie! But we gotta get home to Margaret, she likely needs a pee break!

After a quick stop at home, we headed over to the restaurant at the clubhouse for dinner and had a fabulous meal....a perfect way to end a fabulous day!