Local Talent Shines At 3rd AnnualBilly McDonald Memorial Rodeo

The Lakeland Country Fair once again brought together the excitement of rodeo, agriculture and community as the 3rd Annual Billy McDonald Memorial Rodeo took place July 25 and 26 at the Lac La Biche Agricultural Society Grounds.

Over two days, competitors from across northeastern Alberta showcased their skills in traditional rodeo events, while spectators enjoyed everything from championship rodeo action to family attractions, including the Alberta Wife Carrying Championship, lawnmower races and agricultural exhibits.

Among this year’s champions were several familiar names from the Lakeland Region. Mathew Erasmus claimed the Bareback Riding title, while Brody Cardinal captured top honours in Bull Riding. Taylor Nichol enjoyed an exceptional weekend, earning championship buckles in both Ladies Breakaway Roping and Ladies Barrel Racing.

Additional champions included Christopher Nichol in Junior Steer Riding, Caysen Hrehorets in Mini Bronc Riding, Steele Duncan in Junior Breakaway Roping, Reese Shera in Junior Barrel Racing, Rayna Nykolyn in Pee Wee Barrel Racing, Rocky Squair in Novice Horse Riding, Jack Collins in Saddle Bronc Riding, and Mike Duncan and Lucas Duncan in Team Roping.

The rodeo also showcased the impressive depth of local talent throughout the Lakeland Region. Competitors from Lac La Biche, Plamondon, Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, Caslan, Hylo, Beaver Lake Cree Nation and Kikino Métis Settlement competed across a wide variety of events.

Representing Lac La Biche were Mathew Erasmus in bareback riding; Elias and Jonas Carr in team roping and junior breakaway roping; Emily Shields in junior breakaway roping and peewee barrels; Jaron Johnson in saddle bronc; Mike Boehlke and Jim Shields in team roping; Grace Tkachuk in junior steers and junior barrels; and Neeko and Jaxon Shields in peewee barrel racing.

Plamondon competitors included Tyler Melanson in junior breakaway roping and team roping, Addy Melanson in junior breakaway roping and peewee barrels, Trace Melanson in junior breakaway roping and team roping, along with Oscar Plamondon, Gil Melanson and Johnny Routhier in team roping.

Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement was represented by Bretleigh Delorme in junior breakaway roping and junior barrels, Cordell Arcand and Lucas Houle in junior steer riding, and Wyatt Howse in bull riding. Samuel Mandel competed in junior steer riding for Caslan, Shelby Merchant represented Hylo in ladies breakaway roping and barrel racing, Shelten Anderson competed in saddle bronc for Beaver Lake Cree Nation, and Brody Cardinal represented Kikino Métis Settlement in bull riding.

While the competition showcased the skill and determination of rodeo athletes, organizers say the event’s success extends far beyond the arena.

The fair is successful because of the sponsors, volunteers, rodeo personnel, competitors and spectators whose support made another successful year possible. Volunteers were recognized for the countless hours spent preparing the grounds, assisting throughout the weekend and ensuring everything ran smoothly from the first event to the final cleanup.

Most importantly, organizers thanked the community for continuing to support an event that honours the memory of Billy McDonald, whose passion for rodeo helped shape the sport throughout northern Alberta.

With another successful year in the books, the Billy McDonald Memorial Rodeo continues to grow as one of the Lakeland Region’s signature summer events, celebrating not only rodeo excellence but the volunteers, families and communities who keep the western tradition alive.