By Dorian Geiger

As Maple Creek gets set to host their annual Pro Rodeo on May 27-29, excitement is brewing in the Southwest as summer eases in and area residents prepare for one of the community’s premier events. In the cowboy country surrounding and comprising Maple Creek, it is of little surprise that the underground sport of rodeo-ing is a mainstay sport, hobby and pastime.

Historically speaking, the sport makes sense too – rewinding to the early years of Confederation, the Maple Creek area was of course infamous for housing Fort Walsh, a well known trading center for European and American traders, trappers and hunters.

Maple Creek’s geography is also responsible for breeding the inception of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police after the Cypress Hills Massacre of 1873, who then began patrolling the southwest by horseback.

Daily life, especially in areas of commerce such as Fort Walsh, then revolved around transportation via horseback – and today, remnants of such a past still permeate in Maple Creek through the medium of sport and rodeo.

Secretary treasurer of the Maple Creek rodeo committee and former town mayor Anne Weisgerber, is one of the key organizers of the event. Weisgerber is anticipating anywhere from 600 people per performance throughout the duration of the rodeo – and it ha s been supportive numbers such as these that have kept the rodeo thriving in Maple Creek.

Though Weisgerber admitted that physically competing in rodeos has never been a hobby of hers, her selfless role as secretary treasurer for Maple Creek’s rodeo committee is essential to the unfolding of the Pro Rodeo.

“I do this to help ensure that this event which is very important to Maple Creek continues to happen,” Weisgerber said of her committee function.

Weisgerber also revealed via email last week that the Pro Rodeo features a variety of events and local competitors. As far as local talent goes, the three-day affair will feature team roper Darryl Brost, barrel racer Kerry Maynes, novice saddle bronc rider Shelton Udal, steer wrestler Wayne Resch and tie down roper William Bierbach – all of whom promise to provide high intensity and adrenaline-esque performances. Other local competitors include Adam and Tyler Gilchrist, as well as Brady and Casey Bertram.

The Pro Rodeo isn’t limited to local entries however, and competitors from, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and U.S. states of Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming will make the trek to Saskatchewan to strut their stuff. All six provinces west of Quebec will also be exhibiting their rodeo skills during the May Long weekend in Maple Creek.

Weisgerber was also quick to point out that aside from rodeo performances, the weekend isn’t exclusive to rodeo fans and competitors but will include portions dedicated to both the surrounding Aboriginal bands, original settlers and the Maple Creek 2010 graduating class.

“On Friday and Saturday (May 27 and 28) we will be honouring families that have ranched and farmed on the same land for 100 years. Sunday (May 29) will honour the Nekaneet First Nation and their role in our community and rodeo,” added Weisgerber.

A ‘cowtown’ kids rodeo that features mutton busting, wild pony rides, stick horse barrel racing and dummy roping, as well as a pancake breakfast on the morning of May 28 will also be popular festivities to be witnessed.

A whopping 349 entries, 28 of whom are Canadian champions and two who are World champions will compose the impressive weekend line-up of rodeo competitors.

Weisgerber elaborated that 19 contestants have competed for World titles in the National Finals Rodeo at Las Vegas, Nevada and 110 of these competitors have vied for Canadian titles at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton.

By Dorian GeigerAs Maple Creek gets set to host their annual Pro Rodeo on May 27-29, excitement is brewing in the Southwest as summer eases in and area residents prepare for one of the community’s premier events. In the cowboy country surrounding and comprising Maple Creek, it is of little surprise that the underground sport of rodeo-ing is a mainstay sport, hobby and pastime. Historically speaking, the sport makes sense too – rewinding to the early years of Confederation, the Maple Creek area was of course infamous for housing Fort Walsh, a well known trading center for European and American traders, trappers and hunters. Maple Creek’s geography is also responsible for breeding the inception of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police after the Cypress Hills Massacre of 1873, who then began patrolling the southwest by horseback. Daily life, especially in areas of commerce such as Fort Walsh, then revolved around transportation via horseback – and today, remnants of such a past still permeate in Maple Creek through the medium of sport and rodeo.Secretary treasurer of the Maple Creek rodeo committee and former town mayor Anne Weisgerber, is one of the key organizers of the event. Weisgerber is anticipating anywhere from 600 people per performance throughout the duration of the rodeo – and it ha s been supportive numbers such as these that have kept the rodeo thriving in Maple Creek. Though Weisgerber admitted that physically competing in rodeos has never been a hobby of hers, her selfless role as secretary treasurer for Maple Creek’s rodeo committee is essential to the unfolding of the Pro Rodeo. “I do this to help ensure that this event which is very important to Maple Creek continues to happen,” Weisgerber said of her committee function.Weisgerber also revealed via email last week that the Pro Rodeo features a variety of events and local competitors. As far as local talent goes, the three-day affair will feature team roper Darryl Brost, barrel racer Kerry Maynes, novice saddle bronc rider Shelton Udal, steer wrestler Wayne Resch and tie down roper William Bierbach – all of whom promise to provide high intensity and adrenaline-esque performances. Other local competitors include Adam and Tyler Gilchrist, as well as Brady and Casey Bertram.The Pro Rodeo isn’t limited to local entries however, and competitors from, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and U.S. states of Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming will make the trek to Saskatchewan to strut their stuff. All six provinces west of Quebec will also be exhibiting their rodeo skills during the May Long weekend in Maple Creek.Weisgerber was also quick to point out that aside from rodeo performances, the weekend isn’t exclusive to rodeo fans and competitors but will include portions dedicated to both the surrounding Aboriginal bands, original settlers and the Maple Creek 2010 graduating class. “On Friday and Saturday (May 27 and 28) we will be honouring families that have ranched and farmed on the same land for 100 years. Sunday (May 29) will honour the Nekaneet First Nation and their role in our community and rodeo,” added Weisgerber.A ‘cowtown’ kids rodeo that features mutton busting, wild pony rides, stick horse barrel racing and dummy roping, as well as a pancake breakfast on the morning of May 28 will also be popular festivities to be witnessed.A whopping 349 entries, 28 of whom are Canadian champions and two who are World champions will compose the impressive weekend line-up of rodeo competitors. Weisgerber elaborated that 19 contestants have competed for World titles in the National Finals Rodeo at Las Vegas, Nevada and 110 of these competitors have vied for Canadian titles at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton.