Grand River Rodeo, very grand indeed!

August 21, 2013 · 0 Comments

The Grand River Rodeo held in Grand Valley August 16th to the 18th, was a feather in the caps for more than 50 volunteers and contributors who came together making the event the success all had hoped for, and that “hope” and that “success” will bring Grand Valley even closer to their goal for a Community Park which is where all proceeds after expenses will go towards.

As part of the New Holland Elite Rodeo Series, their next rodeo will be held at in Alexandria, Ontario, on the August 24th and 25th, but as far as these 7 member first time organizers for the Grand River Rodeo are concerned, their rodeo couldn’t have happened on a better weekend with weather accommodating, great attendance, fabulous vendors, and let’s not forget the actual competitions. Including Saloons, live music, Heavy Horse Pull, Mechanical Bull , The New Holland Elite Rodeo, a Dance, Campfire poets, Petting Zoo, and Pony Rides, this event had a little something for everyone. Placing safety above all, even a veterinarian was present.

Shelburne’s own, Brightside Tack & Equestrian Inc. was the only Tack Shop on sight as one of the vendors at the Grand River Rodeo offering a wide variety of products including much needed liniments to both rodeo competitors and locals alike. Proving to be great exposure, business owner, Shannon Zayachowski commented,“People still get excited to hear there is a new Tack shop so close in Shelburne.”

Vendor Co-ordinator, Connie McNeilly had this to say, “We couldn’t be more delighted with the way things turned out. We have the most wonderful volunteers and everyone really worked very hard. It’s our first year as the Grand River Rodeo and we are committed over the next four years to hopefully raise enough funds to build a much needed community park. As we are completely non- profit, all funds after expenses will go towards the park. It all came together really well.”

Media Liaison for the Grand River Rodeo, Steve Murphy was very pleased with the success of the event stating, “There were no significant injuries over the course of the weekend however, this is rodeo and if something doesn’t hurt afterward, you probably weren’t trying hard enough. Two competitors were transported to hospital as a precaution following their events. None of the animals sustained any injuries and the SPCA investigators who visited the site found no violations.”For result inquiries, Murphy recommends visiting http://www.canadiancowboys.ca/2013results/grandvalleyresults.htm

For more information, visit www.grandriverrodeo.ca, email info@grandriverrodeo.ca or call 519 928-2491. To find out more about the New Holland Elite Rodeo Series visit www.abarkrodeo.com

By Alex Sher