Big Country Agricultural Society looks back at 2022
As 2022 draws to a close, the directors, executive and members of the Big Country Agricultural Society have taken a moment to both reflect on the past year and to look forward to exciting things yet to come in 2023. This group of dedicated volunteers has poured countless hours into serving the community at The Crossroads Centre. BCAS has also been generously supported by so many local businesses and individuals, enabling us to put on a wide variety of activities for participants and spectators of all ages.
The BCAS signed the initial lease with the town for the Crossroads Center on October 25, 2002 and in the following 20 years has contributed to the agricultural community in a wide variety of ways.
Aerial photo of the Crossroads Centre. Photo & article submitted
It is amazing that some of the original agricultural society members, who dreamed of this building and created it, are still actively involved in BCAS today. 2022 was a year of dramatic growth and development. The Crossroads continues to serve the community by providing a safe and warm environment for agricultural purposes year-round, and there are many individuals and families who own riding memberships or regularly rent the facility for their own use. The winter months also saw every weekend booked with varied events hosted by the BCAS. We were happy to work with Prairie Land Athletics on a successful Pheasant Festival in the fall which concluded with an evening at the Crossroads.
The Roughstock Jackpots occurred on six dates throughout the winter. This saw a combined total of 150 entries consisting of bareback, saddlebronc, ranch bronc and bull riding. Several different stock contractors brought a great set of horses and bulls, bucking approximately 300 head of stock. BCAS saw great local support for the events as well as spectators and travelers from around the province, while providing a learning and competitive opportunity for many participants. The Winter Gymkhana Series hosted six gymkhanas over the winter. 54 contestants purchased memberships across the five age groups to compete for some amazing series prizes, including buckles donated by valued businesses in the community. Several more contestants competed for day money alone. Contestants competed in barrel racing, pole bending, thread the needle, and a different surprise event each month. There were many spectators enjoying the days, and many competitors of all ages and abilities enjoyed the use of the facility and developing their horsemanship and skills.
The Team Roping Winter Series was a very successful series of three events that brought many new people into the building, both as competitors and spectators. We ran two jackpots each day, a #11 and a #7 which saw between 200 and 300 teams each date. Contestants that attended two of the three jackpots qualified to rope in the Bonus Roping Round for amazing prizes on the final date. Friday FUNdamentals occurred every Friday night in November, followed by one Friday a month for the rest of the winter. Participants worked on their dummy roping skills and techniques, either on foot or mounted. Volunteer coaches were available to support each roper at their level and the final date saw participants roping live cattle. The evenings were a fun and casual gathering in the facility while people of all ages and abilities developed their skills.
The 20th Annual Crossroads Beef Expo was held on February 19th with 33 Youth exhibiting heifers followed by 41 Youth steers. The following Pen Show showcased 14 Yearling pens, 5 pens of 2 Year old bulls, 6 Purebred heifer pens and 8 Commercial heifer pens displayed for evaluation by the panel of three judges. Throughout the day there were 13 trade show booths for people to peruse and a live auction. The final event of the day was the sold-out Rancher’s Choice raffle draw. The Beef Expo was a resounding success and the result of many volunteer hours and many appreciated sponsors.
BCAS also hosted a Marci Powell Barrel Clinic and a Rocky Ross Roping Clinic, which were sold out quickly and appreciated by participants. BCAS volunteers travelled to Medicine Hat to work a casino, and brought much needed proceeds back to contribute to our activities here. Other volunteers hosted a garage sale as a service to the community.
The Farmers’ Market hosted 15 summer markets this year with an average of 206 patrons and between 8 and 17 vendors, and often lunch was provided. The Christmas Farmers’ Market was very successful with 37 vendors participating and we had approximately 420 customers walk through the door. The Farmers’ Market was able to give out three bursaries of $500.00 each this year to non-profit organizations.
In early August, BCAS hosted a Bike Poker Rally to raise money for Brooklyn Laughlin, a little girl in the BCAS community living with Spina Bifida. 59 riders participated in the 421 km run including stops at Cessford, Jenner, and Burstall. The bikes returned to Oyen to have supper and receive prizes donated by generous businesses and riders. It was a successful, enjoyable day raising money for a great cause.
The summer months found volunteers and businesses in the community donating their time and equipment to reorganize the Crossroads. These efforts allow for varied usage of the building without each usage requiring major set up and teardown. Volunteers tidied and organized the grounds, replaced the spectator fence, added a higher bar to the perimeter fence for the safety of contestants, and assembled outdoor stock pens. These efforts were done in preparation for The Big Country Gather held on August 19, 20, and 21st.
The Big Country Gather was hosted by BCAS together with Rugged Rodeo and included both barrel and breakaway jackpots, a ranch rodeo, two open rodeo performances, a slack, a cabaret Saturday night complete with a live band, and a kid’s rodeo. The experience was complete with a booth, food trucks, a beer garden, Kid’s Zone, and vendors providing a unique shopping experience. A parade Saturday morning involved the entire community and was very well supported. The event was very well attended and was a highlight of 2022 in Oyen, with an average of 400 spectators each night. Many sponsors got behind the event and helped make it possible.
2022 was an exciting year to be a part of BCAS. We kicked off the 2022/2023 winter season with a Bucking Bull Futurity and Oktoberfest celebration. The Roughstock series has grown and added a Barrel series to the day. We have increased the Team Roping to four dates and added Tie Down and Breakaway roping. The Gymkhana series has even more members than last year. Friday FUNdamentals continues to offer learning opportunities to ropers of all ages and abilities in the area.
The Beef Expo has grown to a two-day event to better meet the needs of the exhibitors and spectators. The summer months will bring Farmer’s Markets, car shows, bike rallies, and another rodeo event. BCAS continues to work towards a 100 x 75 x 17 addition and a 50 x 75 verandah, as well as completion of the washbay. This facility is such a vibrant hub in our community and these developments would provide even more opportunity at the Crossroads. The volunteer base at BCAS is second to none. Having such a busy facility requires such a time commitment to upkeep the facility, plan and host events, keep track of the finances, run the kitchen and the bar, and maintain the ground. The members meet once a month, and committees meet as well to plan and execute their events.
BCAS welcomes new members with new energy and new ideas. Please follow our facebook page, “Crossroads Centre – Big Country Ag Society” and our Team Up Calendar for up-to-date information about scheduled events and availability.