No one had planned for the rain and thunder storm that hit Lea Park on the opening night of this year’s rodeo. The show still went on despite the wash out conditions. Cowboys slided in the muck and the dirt adding to the entertainment and delighting the crowds.
Lea Park Saddle Bronc
Riders fought hard to hang on tight for 8 seconds as they slided in the wet conditions at Lea Park rodeo on June 9.
Photos Marie Conboy
“The storm rolled right through. We never stop the show unless it’s a tornado or an absolute disaster. It’s been an excellent rodeo even though mother nature hasn’t been the best. It quit spitting rain on Saturday at noon and we had a good crowd. The rain can put a dampener on things but you just have to just roll with it, that’s life and you have to do the best you can with the hand you’re dealt,” said Lea Park Rodeo President Lloyd Gray.
Lea Park recorded the highest mark ever in Saddle Bronc riding on Friday night when Clay Elliott marked a 90 on his horse Franklyn’s Evening Mist.
Flag Riders
There was no one more proud than the young flag riders who entered the arena to ‘O’Canada’ carrying red and white flags on the opening night of Lea Park Rodeo.
“Elliott will be one to watch at this year’s Calgary Stampede for sure! He was the biggest highlight here this weekend. We also recorded a lot of other high marks in the 80s,” added Gray.
The Lea Park Rodeo has been been held consecutively now for 63 years and there have been rodeos held at the Lea Park location in the late 1920’s and have continued there since.