The Manor Fun Daze was held on Saturday, July 18, and it was a triumphant return by Aaron Roy of Yellowgrass to the event.
In 2013, the Saskatchewan rider suffered an injury, a fractured vertebrae, when he was bucked off during an event at the Calgary Stampede. Though it was uncertain if he would walk again, the tough cowboy was back on his feet less than 24 hours after being taken on a stretcher out of the rodeo arena in Calgary.
Just over a year later – November, 2014 – Roy was back in action on the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) Tour.
This year he has been on the rise, returning in a true come back story, as he recently competed at the Stampede where he made the finals.
Though he didn't come away with the belt buckle in Calgary, Roy would earn his place as the Manor Fun Daze PBR champion with a score of 172 after his long (85 points)and short go (87 points) rounds.
He graciously accepted the Bear Claw Casino Championship Buckle as one of the rodeo announcers, Ward Cutler, spoke with him.
Last year Manor's annual pancake breakfast was held in honour of Roy and the funds raised were given to him and his family, which made his win this year in the community a special one.
Many big names in bull riding competed with Lonnie West of Cadogan, AB, who took second place, Landon Lockhart of Brandon, MB, who earned third, Tanner Byrne of Prince Albert who unfortunately was tossed early though he finished fourth. Rounding out the top five was Zane Lambert of Ponoka, AB.
Other competitors in the top eight were Tanner Allemand of Shaunavon, Fabian Dueck of Paraguay, and Shay Marks of Sunnybrook, AB.
The aggregate total money and points won are as follows: 1. Aaron Roy, 172 points on two bulls, $2,835.60 and 60 points within the PBR’s World Standings; 2. Lonnie West, 171, $2,080.80 and 30 points; 3. Landon Lockhart, 164, $1,142.40 and 20 points; 4. Tanner Byrne, 85.5 points on one bull, $1,060.80, 15 and 5 points. Zane Lambert, 84, $526.32 and 10 points; 6. Tanner Allemand, 83.5, $228.48 and 5 points; 7. Fabian Dueck, 83, $171.36; 8. Shay Marks, 70, $114.24.
Local area resident, Dusty Ephrom of Kenosee Lake, also competed, but the bull Krackin Up was able to knock him off, stopping him from advancing to the short go round.
Prior to the short go round a presentation was made to Jim and Eileen Hyde of Alida who have been a part of the rodeo for the 36 years it has been held.
“It's been a real good ride,” Jim stated. “It started out as a real wild west affair and it has come a long ways to what it is now.”
A true community effort the event was held with help from numerous local sponsors and volunteers.
In addition to the action in the corral, a parade was held at noon on Main Street where a variety of floats toured down Main Street. From floats towed behind vehicles to antique cars and tractors, there was something for everyone in the parade – and lots of candies tossed out to the crowd that line the street.
Being played throughout the day was the Annual “Skid Clarke” Memorial Slow Pitch tournament.
Youth games were also held on the rodeo grounds throughout the day, while a barrel racing event was held in the afternoon.
Local artist Chris Henderson and his band took to the stage that evening performing for the cabaret, which was enjoyed well into the night.
