Childrens’ games, Farmers’ Olympics open County’s Rodeo

Despite extreme heat, organizers of the County’s first rodeo event are pleased, estimating about 2,000 people went through the gates for the weekend’s activities.

The Rawhide Rodeo professional team presented bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling, and roping to fans in the grandstand at Picton’s Fairgrounds. Its nearly 300 cowboys and cowgirls represent five countries (Canada, Mexico, USA, Brazil and Australia).

Before the featured show Saturday afternoon, children were invited into the ring to learn how to lasso, ride a stuffed bull and meet horses.

Thomas Pilon gets air in the barrel racing.

The Farmers’ Olympics was held to honour County farmers while showcasing community spirit and teamwork.

Prince Edward Hastings MPP Todd Smith captained the “Milk Men” team to a first place finish in the Farmers’ Olympics. His team included Prince Edward County Dairy Producers Steve Prinzen, Phil Prinzen, Greg Elliott and Clay Byford.

Reserve Champions were the Chicken Farmers of Ontario “Hen Pecked Roosters” team led by Kathy Kempers and including Dick Prinzen, Jeremy Prinzen, Larry Pennings and Jordan Pennings.

In the bronze position was the “Young Blood” team from the PEC Junior Farmers led by Paul Ferguson with Justin Williams, Samantha Kuipers, Jenn Courneyea and Danielle Teefy.

Saturday night’s highlight was a performance by the James Barker Band at the Prince Edward Community Centre.

Late Saturday and Sunday’s events featured the “animal athletes” with professional rodeo performances.

Clarissa St. Pierre said she liked the Junior Fire Chief hat, at the PEC Firefighters’ information booth, but decided to remain a cowgirl for the day.

Lisa Lindsay met Gilligan in the petting zoo area.