Another successful Big Country Gather Rodeo in the books
By Annie Duncan
Rugged Rodeo, home of the gather, and the Big Country Agriculture (AG) Society joined forces this past August 19 weekend for the Big Country Gather Rodeo at the Crossroads Centre in Oyen.
Big Country AG Society is a not-for-profit organization that cares for the Crossroads Centre. They proudly welcomed Rugged Rodeo to their arena for Oyen residents and surrounding areas to experience the western lifestyle.
The weekend was packed full of barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding and more for viewers to enjoy.
PHOTOS BY ANNIE DUNCAN, click for larger images
Rugged Rodeo hosts an open rodeo for people of all ages, young and old, to have the rodeo experience without needing to be a rodeo star with a pro-rodeo card. Contestants come to buck a bull, rope a calf, and race some barrels without the pressure of being on the pro circuit.
Everyone must start somewhere, and the Big Country Gather offers the opportunity for athletes to practice and show off their skills in hopes that one day they will be a pro.
The Crossroads Centre has been home to various events not limited to the Rodeo over the years. President of the AG Society, Aaron Rude, explains that they hope to expand the building to host larger events. Rude believes with the ability to host events like the Rodeo, it will not only benefit the arena but every business in the community.
“When you get an event like this, it supports everyone,” says Rude.
Rude would like to thank all of the volunteers and businesses that supported the event, saying it wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s efforts.