Yee-haw! Let's all go to the Wikwemikong Rodeo!

NEWS RELEASE

WIKWEMIKONG AGRICULTURAL GROUP

************************* WIKWEMIKONG, ON - (May 29) - On July 5, & 6, 2008, the Wikwemikong Agricultural Group will be hosting a rodeo at Thunderbird Park in Wikwemikong.

All the excitement of bareback broncs, steer wrestling, junior steer riding, team roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and bull riding will take Manitoulin Island by storm!

Riders from Ontario, Quebec, New York, Michigan, Ohio, and even from our western provinces will be in attendance.

Each performance will be a thrilling 2½- to 3-hour show featuring all seven rodeo events as cowboys and cowgirls compete for a chance to participate at the Provincial Rodeo Championships.

This event is unique to Manitoulin Island and possibly northern Ontario.

In addition to the rodeo performances, there will be a dance, open stage entertainment, barbecue, food and craft vendors, etc.

The Rodeo Committee is working to establish this event as an annual tradition that is both unique and attractive to regional residents.

All of these characterize the island’s way of life and the rodeo industry.

Bringing such an event to Manitoulin Island is a logical, but unexpected fit with our region’s established customs of simple life, hard work, family orientation, and agricultural history.

Although, the commonalities are obvious, a rodeo event is uncharacteristic of Manitoulin Island, which is a winning combination for establishing a distinctive regional tradition.

Traditions unite people, give neighbours common ground and enhance our sense of identity and pride.

It is our goal that the rodeo become an annual attraction that is both unique and attractive to regional residents.

Festivities start with a licensed dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, July 4 at the Wikwemikong Arena.

On Saturday, July 5, there will be a hoop dancing demonstration at noon.

Rodeo grand entry will commence at 1:30 p.m., with the event starting at 2 p.m.

An autograph/photo session will be held during the break at 4 p.m.

At 5 p.m., the Wikwemikong Agricultural Group will be hosting a barbecue dinner and live music performance until 7 p.m.

On Sunday, July 6, the rodeo event will start at 2 p.m.

Advance ticket sales may be obtained from the following ticket sellers Louis G or Robin Manitowabi (705) 859-3832, Annette Peltier (705) 859-1912, Yvette Assinewai (705) 859-1036 and Bernardine Francis (705) 859-1678.

$15 for general admission, $5 for elders and children 12 & under, free for children six and under.

It’s not too late to become an event sponsor.

You will benefit from the positive public relations generated by your support of this exciting family entertainment event (please consult our website for further information).

Volunteers for security, admissions, etc. are needed.

Get into the rodeo for free just for volunteering a minimum of four hours of your time.

The Wikwemikong Agricultural Group promotes awareness and understanding of agriculture’s vital role in Wikwemikong and works to preserve the rich heritage of the agriculture community.

The group encourages youth development and community involvement through independent and collaborative events and programs, organized and delivered with professionalism, focusing on the community’s goal satisfaction through utilization of its people.

Your continued support and dedication to the preservation of our local agricultural heritage is appreciated.

For further information, please check out our website or Facebook: wikwemikong rodeo 2008 event listing.

General inquiries may contact Louis G. Manitowabi at (705) 859-3832 or Annette Peltier at (705) 859-1912 or e-mail Annette at [email protected]

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