Times Advocate, 1998-08-12, Page 18Page 18 1 .hl,Thitr, Ati:,i.t I! 1998
o ed Roo
Rodeo stampedes back to Exeter
UNTASTIC
Lie down. Ed DeWetering "
fro''m Stephen Township`
slides onto the steer .during
the steer wrestling.
(X(. 1 t R --- Last year's rodeo wasn't bcgrnners.luck.
The rodeo stampeded. hack into Exeter Friday night and en-
teituned young and old alike with the first-rate_ Dodge Truck Rodeo
let res
A 13.0 K Rodeo Productions brought the. rodeo to Exeter in 1997 I.
alter a 20 -year absence and the community's enthusiasm quickly
picked up where it lett off. -
Thi year's event was an -even greater success thanks to an ex-.
ccllent rodeo committee and extensive community participation. •
Kideo committee chairman Don Richardson said the committee
and the comittunity made his job easy:
"It's the hest committee in Iown," piaised Richardson. "I can't stn- •
gle out one person. There was total commitment from volunteers.
the rec hoard.and the staff." '
Arra-scrVice.cluhs also helped at the admission gates and parking
areas: The Exeter camping club organised camping at Elliot Park.
. Many husinesses sponsored the event and donated prizes for the `
children's. rodeo games. A Saturday night parade and line •dancing
demonstration brought people downtown. to the stores which were
open until 9 p.m. The BX 93 Video Dance and Exeter 5nd Area Fire_
Department Brunch kept the crowds up throughout the weekend.
- Richardson was happy they were able to offer several free events
including team roping on Friday night and rodeo competitions Sat-
urday and Sunday.
"'We're trying•to make the rodeo weekend a family event," R,, h -.ardson explained. Q•:
The torrnal shows took place Saturday and Sunday at 2 pin. The t
stands were full for Saturday's performance and there -was standing
room only. on. Sunday. Organizers. estimate more than 4.0(X) people
attended -the shows.
• Rodeo master of ccrcntohies Ross Millar :said Dalton Finkheincr
and his crew did an excellent job of preparing the ring following last
week's rain. The soft conditions added a challenge .for the eiders -and
horses compared to last year's dry and dustycompetition. '
•Exeter's rodeo is�tine=of the -top eight rodeos in Ontario•and fea-
tured intim.- tfiart-150.conipctitors from Ontario and the United States.
The `event had a local flavor with several competitors from Huron
-County. �,/i.
E ichardsun said the rbkdeo company has already been booked for
next year.and the committee is considering starting the.fest,vities on
Thursday night and havinttliree shows. He wants the community to
corn* Forth with ideas, oto make next year's rodeo an even higger sue -
cess.
1
Exeter was treated, to its first ever bull riding performance by a
female bull rider. Mibire Hester stayed on the bull for the required.
time but, was penalized for touching the bull with her free hand.'
Patty Masnica raises the Exeter Rodeo flag during the
SatWr'day night parade., Rodeo committee chairman Don
Richardson is at the controls with JoAnne Fields on the baCk-
of the ATV.
1
Chuck the clown demonstrates his hat cleaning machine for
the ( 1
4
Shawn Turner hangs on during the junior steer riding competition.