By June Norvila
The 42nd rendition of the Bentley Rodeo, held in conjunction with many other events during the annual Bentley Fair and Rodeo was deemed a huge success by the new group of organizers. With about 500 entries, 100 more than last year, the two evening shows on Aug. 8 and 9, staged in the Bentley Arena, lasted almost too long for some spectators.
Participants traveled quite a ways to have their one last shot at the last Central Alberta Rodeo Association rodeo on the circuit for the season before the finals for CARA in September.
Winners of the sponsored buckle for each event were: Bull Riding (26 competitors) - Kas Griffin from Bentley with a score of 67; Saddle Bronc (10 competitors) - Jake Brown from Eckville with a 70; Bareback Riding (10) - T.J. Stamp from Winfield with a 75; Tie Down Roping (34) - Ricky Andersen from Stettler with a time of 10.91 seconds; Team Roping winners were Ken Hildebrandt and Kyle Freadich from Daysland got it done in only 7.29 seconds out of 43 teams; 12 & under Breakaway roping (12) - Brittany Smith from Eckville had a 4.98; 13-15 Breakaway roping (9) - Logan Bonnett from Ponoka did it in 3.29; 13 - 15 Steer Riding (17) - Joel Rangen from Eckville posted a 70; 12 & under Steer Riding (12) - Keely Bonnett from Ponoka posted a score of 67; Ladies Barrels (27) - Jen Turner from Beiseker with a 13.998; 12 & under Barrels (21) - Sydney Daines from Innisfail ran the course in 14.182 seconds; 13-15 Barrels (28) - Haylee Wilson from Rimbey posted a time of 14.795; Wild Cow Milking (9 teams) - Chris Wilson, James Millar and Jason Palmer from Ponoka got what they needed the wild cow in 14.20.
The winner of the High Point Saddle, donated by the town of Bentley, was not announced at the rodeo because it was to close to determine. After rechecking figures, Justin Potts from Westlock who had competed in Tie Down Roping and Team Roping, was declared the winner.
The Junior High Point buckle went to Haylee Wilson from Rimbey. The winner of the saddle raffle donated by Sunset Hills Welding was Derek Dickau of Bentley.
Stock came from Pengelly Rodeo and Pollitt Ranches. The bullfighter was Cunny Johnson. Announcer was Russ Finlay. Judges were Doug Rogers and Dallas Mannix. Pick up men were Keith Pengelly and Trevor Marcinek. President of the new Bentley Rodeo committee was Ryan Wasik and secretary was JoAnne Butcher. Jeremy Park and many others also formed the committee, and had the help of many volunteers.
Seniors serve up free pie
Once again the Outlet Get-Together Club, a group of ladies centered out of the Forshee area, served up free home made pie and refreshments to seniors after the Bentley parade on Thursday, August 7.
It is always very popular. Once again there was a line up at the Bentley Community Church door to get into the gymnasium where it was held. About 120 or more were served stated organizers.
Accomplished local violinist Heidi Baumbach supplied the music. (An article was done on Heidi in the May 13 issue of the Rimbey Review.)
“She was a great musical minstrel playing through a noisy crowd. Thank you, Heidi,” stated Jean Fraser, one of the volunteer organizers and a long time club member.
Winners of the two door prize baskets were Joe Reichert from Lacombe and Donna Enrick from Sylvan Lake.
Bentley stock dog trial winners
There were 16 dogs with handlers competing in the Bentley Fair and Rodeo Stock-Dogs-In Action Stock Dog Trials staged on Thursday evening, August 7 in the Bentley Arena. There were some experienced dogs and handlers, and some not so experienced. The sheep didn’t always seem too cooperative.
Each competing team, (dog with handler) had two go-rounds to try to qualify for the top five who advanced into a sudden death final.
The top five at the end of long evening were: 1) Russ Finlay from Westerose with Bryn, 2) Carl Sneddon from Mayerthorpe with Gem tied with the first place for points but took slightly more time, tied for 3 and 4) Norm Schmuland from Wetaskiwin with Rose and Abe Marshal from Bowden with Meg, and 5) Michael Jennings from Condor with Whisp.
Judges taking turns were Ed Greenslade, Corey Perry, and Norm Schmuland. Sheep were provided by Russ Findlay.