The Yorkton Exhibition Summer Fair played host to a variety of races this past week.
The Farrell Agencies Chariot Races, held over a three-day period, attracted a number of spectators looking to catch a glimpse at the unique sport.
Though lacking in the grandeur of its Roman origins, the chariot drivers of today still ride in wheeled caravans pulled by a dual-horse team. For driver Roxanne Bonokoski, the chance to ride in something as fast and adventurous as a chariot is something she cherishes.
"I like... the thrill of it, I guess," she mentions.
As a resident of Bienfait, Saskatchewan, Bonokoski traveled a considerable distance to compete.
However, the Yorkton Summer Fair isn't the only date marked on her calendar. The chariot-racing circuit offers many chances to showcase her skills.
"We've probably hit about 10 events a year, if they're not rained out, that is (laughs). This year it's been kind of hard," Bonokoski says.
Given how specialized a sport like chariot racing is, Bonokoski says she never would've gotten involved if not for a casual conversation with some enthusiasts.
"We never really were into it, then we met some people in Estevan that were into it and we just kind of learned from them and jumped on board," she details.
Now a racing veteran of over 20 years, Bonokoski says that the Yorkton Exhibition is one of the events she looks forward to.
"I've really enjoyed it," she says.
Last Friday marked the last day of racing in Yorkton.
However, the beat goes on for Bonokoski, as she plans to head out to the next competition in Sheho, before continuing on to races in Selkirk and Morris.
