Joe McWilliams
Lakeside Leader
Ladies and gents, boys and girls, here’s something you should know about the Labour Day Weekend: The 45th annual Smith/Hondo Fall Fair and Rodeo is happening. And we’ve got the line-up of events – as SHARA organizers provided them to us last week.
SHARA is the local ag society, and it stands for Smith-Hondo Association of Recreation and Agriculture (if we’re not mistaken).
Things get started on Friday evening, with a supper at the Smith Legion, a barrel jackpot event at the rodeo arena, plus a junior gymkhana.
As usual, the fun on Saturday kicks off with a pancake breakfast, on Saturday. This is being served up by the M.D. of Lesser Slave River, starting at 8 a.m., outside the riding arena.
Following breakfast is the parade. The theme this year is ‘Your Favourite Era.’
“Enter as a business, club, and family or by yourself,” says the poster. “Prizes in each category.” To be judged, the entry has to be at the M.D. public works yard in Smith by 9:30 a.m. For information call 780-805-1390.
Moving from downtown to the fairgrounds, visitors will find the bench show all set up for viewing in the community hall. Local produce, baking, art, crafts and more will be on show, with winners displaying their ribbons. Vendors will be set up also, with wares for sale.
The rodeo gets started at 1 p.m. This year it features a grand entry, mini chuckwagons, drill team, adult scramble, mutton bustin,’ a wild pony race, bull-riding, calf-roping and more. Spectators will also be treated to a log-sawing competition, plus the crowning of the rodeo queen!
Not only that, according to Virginia Wasiecko of SHARA, “a surprise event” might happen “before or during the rodeo intermission.”
All that, plus face painting, a bouncy castle, food trucks and a beer garden.
Saturday night there’s a family dance, featuring the Chris LeBlanc band.
Rodeo action resumes on Sunday, starting at noon. Also on the agenda is a heavy horse pull event.
Capping things off is the Top Talent Wrestling show, at the community hall, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Camping on the grounds is available. Don is the contact, at 780-516-0450.
Have fun!