This is the second time I have attended this rodeo,although it is certainly not the first time this event has been held.Hand Hills is the longest running consecutive years rodeo I believe in Canada,starting in 1917 as a fundraiser for the Red Cross.95 years later,this CPRA and PRCA sanctioned rodeo is stronger than ever.Stock is provided by the Calgary Stampede Ranch so you are seeing top notch horses and bulls.
Rick Bricker and myself left early in the morning before the sun had come up.This was June 4th but one might think it was February as the rain had turned to snow as our long drive began and the fog was getting to be as thick as pea soup in places.
We got to Hand Hills around 9 a.m. and partook in the Stampede special $5.00 breakfast and then wandered around the rodeo grounds(knee deep in mud) until the event began at noon. Such friendly people there...
There were hundreds of trailers,motorhomes and campers spread in a circle around the grounds,but few people could be seen other than contestants and rodeo personnel.This may have had something to do with the barely above zero temperature and the drizzle.I think people were hunkering down in their trailers until the event began.
Although we all ended our day there covered in mud(you'd think we'd been IN the rodeo)we had a great time,saw a wonderful event and will most definately be back next year!
Thanks Rick for letting me take your info on the Hand Hills Stampede. I couldn't have done better myself... What are friends for.... Rick has started a gallery on the Hand Hills stampede and he's doing a great job... Take a look at his photos at https://pbase.com/rickbricker/hand_hills_stampede_2011 He has a lot of great galleries well worth taking a look at...