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Wood Mountain Sports & Stampede26 October 2004
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On Solid Ground3
Wood Mountain Recreational Club Directors1980
Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Towards the end of the 1950's interest in the local rodeo was dwindling. Just when it looked as though the Stampede might fold, the directors were able to persuade a local rancher, Gene Anderson, to become President of the Rodeo Club. For nearly twenty years he encouraged young men to be involved and many of them later provided leadership for the rodeo.5
George Pana, From Amateur to Professional1970
Southern Saskatchewan, Canada
Credits:Copyright Rick White
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Through the years cowboys moved up the ranks from amateurs to professionals. Some cowboys competed at both levels. Wood Mountain was sometimes an amateur rodeo, sometimes a professional rodeo. One of the more experienced cowboys was George Pana and when he became arena manager at Wood Mountain in 1962 he encouraged a lot of young men to participate in rodeo.7
Members of the Canadian Cowboys Association1963
Southern Saskatchewan, Canada
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In 1963 with the encouragement of Wood Mountain cowboys the Canadian Cowboys Association was organized as a tier between amateur and professional ranking. The formation of the CCA meant more and more of the cowboys who entered the rodeo came from other rodeo communities.9
Don Nickolson leading in the rodeo stock1990
Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Along with other changes, the stock contractor became more specialized in the 1960's. Gerry Myers supplied the rough stock (bucking broncs) at Wood Mountain for nearly twenty years. He trucked the broncs from rodeo to rodeo and local ranchers provided pasture or feed until the rodeo was held.11
Rodeo Stock in the Arena1995
Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Other stock contractors supplied the roping calves, the dogging steers and the bucking bulls. Bob Larson of Mankota brought this stock for more than thirty years.13
Rodeo Announcer's Stand1990
Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan, Canada
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At each rodeo, the Committee hires an announcer to introduces the cowboys and focus the crowds attention on the contestants. Gary Jones, a local rancher, announced at Wood Mountain for more than thirty years. Sharing the announcer's stand are the timers, all of whom need a clear view of the action in the arena. |
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