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Beechy Western Days Marks 50 Years

Rodeo crowds pack stands for 50th edition
Derek Ruttle
Derek Ruttle

It’s been 50 years of dirt-flying, bronco-busting, family entertainment for the Beechy Western Days rodeo event, and this year’s festivities helped ring in the anniversary in style over September 22-24.

Every year, the rodeo in Beechy is a must-see attraction for scores of people, whose attendance virtually doubles the size of the village for that weekend in September.  The 50th edition of Western Days was no exception due to a number of other events that complemented the rodeo itself, such as a Ranch Horse Competition and a Show n’ Shine on Saturday, followed by a roast beef supper, and a dance that was held right in the arena after the show was over on Saturday night.

In addition, the Beechy Elks hosted a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning, as did the Braun family on their ranch northwest of the village, ensuring that no matter where you went, you certainly had your fill of breakfast.

When it came time to dust off the boots and get to business, the rodeo itself gave fans something to cheer and holler about, with the stands packed to the rafters over all three performances and providing some action-packed entertainment.

Notable winners in several events included:

Saddle Bronc – Wyatt Thurston, mark of 75 (Big Valley, AB)
Bareback – Brady Bertram, mark of 76 (Maple Creek, SK)
Bull Riding – Wyatt Laughlin, mark of 80 (Strathmore, AB)
Tie-down Roping – Shay Keller, time of 9.4 (Rockglen, SK)
Steer Wrestling – Scott Sigfusson, time of 4.1 (Davidson, SK)
Ladies Barrel Racing – April Williamson, time of 12.99 (Mankota, SK)
Team Roping – Garrett Brownlee & Martin Geis, time of 6.2 (Moose Jaw & Assiniboia, SK)
Junior Steer Riding – Kade McDonald, mark of 73 (Melville, SK)
Junior Girls Barrel Racing – Jordan Fitzhenry, time of 12.67 (Coaldale, AB)
Novice Bareback – Chett Deitz, mark of 71 (Milo, AB)
Novice Saddle Bronc – Jacob Hutteroth, mark of 64 (Tyvan, SK)

With planning and organizing of this special 50th Western Days event dating back almost a full year, the tireless committee certainly had reason to celebrate for a job well done when the weekend was finally over.