The 2013 Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo attracted some big attendance - both in terms of spectators and rodeo participants.
That is the word from Derek Schmidt of the Kinsmen Club, who noted attendance was up from last year's event.
He said just over 5,000 people attended the three-day event from April 26 to 28 at the North Battleford Civic Centre.
There was also record entries, said Schmidt. The main performance Friday went for three hours, and then the additional contestants who weren't included for the main rodeo performance were on for an additional two hours after that.
"We've never had that many contestants for the rodeo in a number of years," Schmidt said. He attributes the good weather that weekend as a factor in the strong attendance numbers.
There were also several events surrounding the rodeo, including the rodeo cabaret at the Civic Centre on Friday and the rodeo dance at Battleford Arena Saturday.
This was the 43rd annual Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo, an event that has grown to the point where it is "our major fundraiser for the year," said Schmidt.
This same fundraiser helped the Kinsmen contribute $150,000 to the CUPlex, he said. As well, the Kinsmen have pledged $25,000 to the Battleford Boys and Girls Club.
It's too soon to say how much money this year's rodeo made for the Kinsmen, but Schmidt expects it will "be very close to be able to fulfill our contribution to the Boys and Girls Club this year." The proceeds will go towards construction of their new club building in North Battleford.
Schmidt particularly thanks all those involved in the effort, including the 60 sponsors.
While the festivities at the Civic Centre and elsewhere were obviously a major community event and fundraiser in North Battleford, it's also an important part of the rodeo calendar in western Canada.
It is the fourth event of the season on the Canadian Cowboys Association schedule, on the heels of events in Tisdale, Big Valley and Pierson earlier this month. The season itself extends into November.
Full results of the Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo are listed on the Canadian Cowboys Association website at www.canadiancowboys.ca. Shown here are unofficial results listing the winners of the events, listed according to: name, stock, mark/time, money won.
Saddle bronc - Ross Kreutzer, Anvilhead, 78, $584.64; bareback - Michael Tuck, Big Shot, 80, $432; bull riding - Tanner Allemand, Slippery Sam, 80, $772.56; tie down roping - Riley Warren, 8.2, $743.04; steer wrestling - Scott Sigfusson, 4.1, $647.28; ladies' barrel racing - Rylee Mckenzie, 13.49, $1,010.16; team roping - Clay Brownlee and Garrett Brownlee, 6.6, $1,691.28; junior steer riding - Ty Ireland, 72, $226.80; junior girls' barrel racing - Kassidy Williamson, 13.7, $270; novice bareback - Danny Vandenameele, 73, $140.40.
