Submitted by:
Angela Mullin |

Another year of Manitoba High School Rodeo wrapped up June 9-11, 2017 in Swan River, with competitors from all over Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and North Dakota. all here hoping to win a coveted Finals buckle.

Pictured above: Cowboy of the Year winner Everett Fairlie puts on the brakes in the steer wrestling event. Picture by ActionPlus Photo.
Click any picture for a larger version.

The Swan Valley Agriculture grounds were a buzz Thursday night with the competitors all pulling in and setting up camp for the weekend.

Friday morning Rodeo started with welcomes from (R to L)
MLA Rick Wowchuk,
Mayor Glen Mackenzie,
Willie Malcolm (RM of Mountain),
Evelyn Immekar ( Ag Society) and
Albert Outhwaite,


The grandstand was pack with school kids from all over the valley Friday Morning, thanks to the generosity of Swan Valley Credit Union & the Swan Valley Kinsmen.

These kids were treated to a hotdog and a drink from the kinsmen booth, a ticket to the rodeo where they hung out with the competitors who showed them the ropes. literally. They got to tie a dummy goat, rope a dummy calf and try out a saddle Bronc Saddle.

Friday after the Rodeo the contestants were treated to Pizza and appetizers from Y Not Johnny’s in the Bingo room, a fashion show by the Queen contestants and the Speech portion of the Queen contest.

Saturday morning started off with the Swan Valley Lions Pancake Breakfast, contestants, parents and spectators appreciated a warm dry breakfast.

The weather was damp but the contestants rode hard and tried their best.
Pictures by ActionPlus Photo

Swan River’s own Jenna McKay weaves her horse through a row of poles.

Colten Abrahamson hangs on tight to his hard bucking bull.

Jules Smyth gets set to throw her loop in the team roping event.





Saturday night the Grad Ceremonies were held in the curling rink, the parade of grads showed off beautiful dresses and handsomely dressed young cowboys. Scholarships were presented to the grads, and a touching slide show for everyone to enjoy.

There were appetizers and amazing cupcakes ( Theresa McKay) for everyone to enjoy, special thanks to the Thompson and McKay families for making that possible. Pure Country played some great music for the Grads & families to enjoy.

Sunday Rodeo started with the grads taking a solitaire ride of the arena one at a time, with a pre recorded goodbye to MBHSR, there were more than a few tears shed! Sunday Rodeo weather was dryer and the cowgirls & cowboys did their best to win the finals & year end buckles up for grabs!

Sunday intermission the Rodeo Parents put on a show, Wild Pony Racing, our own Della McKay made an appearance, this was a fundraiser for MHSRA scholarships and they managed to raise over $4000 without getting anyone hurt!

Sunday Afternoon the Eggie’s fed the hungry crowd while they waited to see who was the top cowboy & cowgirl of the year! The meal was amazing as always!

Tons of awards were handed out and goodbyes were said, everyone went home with great memories. Lastly the Swan Valley High School Rodeo Committee would like to thank the Swan Valley community for the continued support of our Rodeo, without the sponsorship, volunteers and excitement of this community we would not be the BEST FINALS EVER! Even though most contestants had long drives to get here, we heard nothing but positive comments on how great our grounds, committee and community are! Thank You to EVERYONE that helped this become a reality.

Swan Valley High School Rodeo Committee
Della McKay, Crystal Nepinak, Peter Bresky, Bobbi Jo Moshenko, Roxie Petelski, Melanie MacArthur and Angela Mullin