What is it about rodeos and fairs that bring people together? Whether it is massive events such as the Calgary Stampede or Edmonton's Klondike Days or rodeos in small communities throughout the province, people flock in droves to take in the sights, smells and sounds.
What is it about rodeos and fairs that bring people together?
Whether it is massive events such as the Calgary Stampede or Edmonton's Klondike Days or rodeos in small communities throughout the province, people flock in droves to take in the sights, smells and sounds.
The excitement that is generated by these events is evident and that energy buzzed through St. Albert this past weekend as the city celebrated the 50th instalment of the Rainmaker Rodeo.
There is a rite of passage aspect to rodeos and a recent article by the Gazette's Susan Jones highlighted what the Rainmaker Rodeo means to people in the city. Not only is it an event that has grown with the St. Albert over the past half century but it has also forged memories for many of our citizens.
Longtime residents like Jones, Bill Hite, Jim Hole and many others have decades worth of memories from the event. Ranging from the humorous, to the exciting, to the sentimental, the rodeo has seen children through their formative years, has brought families and friends together, and has even sparked a few romances.
Music, games, rides, food, handcrafted goodies, dog agility and, of course, rodeo events and the parade mean the Rainmaker has something for everyone. This weekend's 50th anniversary affair did not fall short on its offerings to the community and beyond. Big name acts like I Mother Earth, professional trick riders, national dog agility talent, circus performers and more provided spectacular entertainment. Even Mother Nature did her part this past weekend by handing us some incredible spring weather.
While many of us go through the gates to take in the fun of the events, it is important to remember what goes on behind the scenes of the Rainmaker.
Not only does an army of volunteers handling everything from security to traffic control contribute to the success, but also the event itself has been a great contributor to our city.
In the past 50 years, the St. Albert Kinsmen have raised more than $4.5 million through the Rainmaker Rodeo. That money in turn has been used to support the community.
More than 30 community groups such as the Kinette's food hampers, the Kinsmen Youth Service Awards and a number of social organizations and sporting groups benefit from the funds raised.
We here at the Gazette have been proud to be part of the Rainmaker over the years, both through our coverage of the event or our annual pancake breakfast. We are excited to watch the rodeo grow over what will hopefully be another 50 years.
Perhaps in 2065 a few grandchildren will be regaled by stories from this year's event and how granddad met grandma while playing a game of chance or standing in line for the Ferris wheel.
Until next year, we tip our hats to the rodeo and the Kinsmen.
