The Saskatchewan High School Rodeo Association (SHSRA) will be hosting two events this weekend! Today, Aug. 31, and tomorrow, Sept. 1 will see action at Arcola, while Sunday and Monday will see excitement take place in Kennedy. Having the two rodeos on the same weekend helps bring in more competitors.
The Second Annual Arcola High School Rodeo, associated with the Saskatchewan High School Rodeo, will take place. There will be over 100 youth competing in the rodeo. Held at the Arcola Fairgrounds admission each day will be $5, while those six-years-old and under enter for free. A concession will be available and they hope to see you there, where hometown cutting champion Cassie Eaton will be competing.
The event will begin in Arcola today at 9 a.m. for the Wrangler Division, the junior high rodeo including grades 6, 7, and 8. The high school division will then begin at noon today, featuring some of the best in the province. Tomorrow's action will begin at 8:30 a.m. for the Wrangler Division, while the High School Division will pick up at 11:30 a.m.
"We are very excited to be hosting our second high school rodeo! Come out and show your support for our Saskatchewan youth! And watch some great rodeo action!" Lisa Eaton, one of the organizers, exclaimed.
The Arcola Rodeo Princess will be crowned. Local girls are running for the chance to be named Princess. Though short notice, if anyone would like to help in anyway contact Lisa Eaton at 577-7106.
Many taking part in Arcola's High School Rodeo will then make the trip north to Kennedy for the remainder of the weekend. Sunday, Sept. 2, will begin with a Cowboy Church Service at 8 a.m., with the Wrangler Division starting at 9 a.m. The High School Division will start at noon on this day as well.
The next morning will be an early one as the Wrangler Division will begin at 8 a.m. This will be followed by the High School Division at 11 a.m.
The 6th Annual Kennedy High School Rodeo will be held at the Kennedy Fairgrounds located on the west side of town. Host to events such as the Kennedy Pro Rodeo it is a wonderful venue boasting lots of seating for spectators. At $5 a day to enter and food available on site, taking in a bit of rodeo action is well worth the cost of admission. Students accompanied by an adult will be able to enter for free.
Local riders will include Kennedy native, Seline Cummins, a grade eight student, and Kipling native, Cody Floyd, a grade 12 student.
Both rodeos are part of the SHSRA is a part of the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA), which was created in 1949 by Claude Mullins of Texas. Saskatchewan joined this association in 1991 and hasn't looked back. They've joined the NHSRA where individuals now work towards gaining points in order to compete in the National High School Finals Rodeo held each summer in the USA. Here youth from across Canada, the United States, and Australia compete.
The students also compete for educational scholarships as there is a great emphasis on doing well in school as well as the rodeo scene. They must hold passing grades and positive attitudes throughout the school year to be eligible to compete.
The events are split into five separate events for boys and girls, with two events open to everyone. The two events open to both boys and girls are cattle cutting and team roping. Male events include Bareback Riding, Tie Down Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling and Bull Riding. The female events include Breakaway Roping, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, Goat Tying, and the Rodeo Queen competition.
There is sure to be a lot of action happening in both Arcola and Kennedy over the weekend, so pick a day to attend as it will be great fun with much skill showcased.
"We welcome everybody to come on out. They can watch some great talent from across the province." Howard Floyd of Kipling, National Director of the SHSRA, exclaimed.
