Attendance for the 14th annual Bulls and Wagons was up slightly over last year, an organizer said.
"Not lots. But it was up ó that's always good," said Jack Nichol, adding ticket sales indicated an increase of about 100 people compared with last year and that overall, approximately 6,000 attended, including contestants and their supporters. However, those figures do not include a count on children 10 and under, who do not have to pay an admission fee.
"We try to make it a more family inclusive event."
The chair of the Bulls and Wagons committee, which is a subcommittee of the Sundre Rodeo and Race Association, told the Round Up last week he was pleased with this year's results and that people he spoke with offered plenty of positive feedback about the event, which was held Aug. 11-13 at the Sundre Rodeo Grounds.
"We're getting good reports on people really enjoying the whole show."
Aside from a rather parched, windy, hazy Sunday afternoon, the weather throughout the weekend was otherwise excellent, he said.
"We always like to see it dry and not muddy."
And when the wind started kicking up too much dust, water trucks helped to keep it down, he said.
Competing cowboys came from all over the world, including Paraguay, Brazil, Australia and Mexico.
"They put on some good action and entertainment for the crowd," said Nichol.
In the world of bull riding, it really does not matter whether the riders are amateur or professional ó the livestock generally emerges victorious, he said.
"The bulls win at least 60 per cent of the time, maybe more."
Also returning after a first appearance last year were four old Model T speedster rally race cars, which ran a five-lap race following the final bull riding performances on Sunday.
"I would like to see them come back," he said, adding several dozen people remained that evening to watch the race.
Although the committee does not seek to profit from the event, organizers nevertheless strive to ensure funds remain in the bank account to carry forward over to the following year, he said.
"It's nice to have a little more left over to prepare for next year."
With the milestone 15th anniversary coming up next summer, he said organizers would be considering ways to change things up a bit.
"We're looking around to see if we can find another event that doesn't cost too much but might be an added attraction to bring more people."
Nichol also expressed his appreciation for the community's enduring support over the years.
"Sundre is one of the best towns that I know of for supporting rodeo and the kind of event that we put on."
2017 BULLS AND WAGONS RESULTS
Bull riding
1. Armando Davila, Mexico ó 341.5 points on four head
2. Will Purcell, Australia ó 166.5 points on two head
3. Hector Careoza, Mexico ó 158 points on two head
4. Chris Hansen, Caroline ó 154 points on two head
Chuckwagons
Cole Adamson
Dale Young
Lee Adamson
Chariots
Tyrel Miller
Kolton Thiel
John Stott
