May! It's a busy month with Rodeo's, Spring dances, Crop planting, gardening and a whole list of things to do. Yes, May, the month of flowers and spring and rebirth and all that cool stuff outside. Did I say cool. Yes, it's been a bit on the cool side and that has slowed all that growth and rebirth and flowers but its coming along. We've had everything from snow to bone dry forest fires in our area and now two days of rain that will help put out the fires and replenish ground water and make the grass grow. Now all we need is a little warmth. Let's hope the farming community can get a break to get some crops in the ground now.

Bonnyville from the south west

Here's what's coming up in the Bonnyville area.  This weekend -May 25 to 27th will see the Pro-Rodeo move into town with some of the top cowboys and cowgirls competing for prize money and points to qualify for the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton this fall. Of course Shane Franklin's bucking string will be doing their best to see that none of them get very far toward that goal. The Franklin ranch on the big hill south of town breeds some of the best with many world champion trophies to show for it.

The rodeo starts Friday with slack at 11 a.m. at the grounds (no charge admission) a chili cook-off on main street at noon and then the evening performance "Kid's Night" at 6 p.m. with a new beer garden with entertainment following the rodeo. Saturday kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by the parade at 11 a.m. , the Heavy Horse pull at 1 p.m. the 2nd rodeo performance at 6 p.m. then the Rodeo Dance at the Centennial Centre with music by the Opry Boyz band. Doors open at 8:30 and admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. to order your tickets in advance, go to the C2 front desk or call them at 780-812-3400 or toll free 1-877-812-2740 if you're from out of town.
Sunday it's back to the grounds for Cowboy Church at 10 a.m. and the final performance at 2 p.m.
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Don't forget to support your local 4H members at their Show and Sale on Monday, May 28 over at Western Pride Auction. The show begins at 11 a.m. and the Sale follows at 7 p.m. in the evening. These young people have worked hard to care for and raise the livestock and you can help by purchasing an animal in the sale.
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Lenore Picray tells me they'll be holding their annual Spring Dance up at Sandy Rapids Hall on Hwy 55 west of Iron River on Saturday, June 6th. In fact, the live band is called Hi Way 55 and they'll start playing at 9 p.m. The doors open at 8 and admission is $15 per person and there's a midnight lunch. Call Lenore for more info at 780-826-5407.
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If you see a lot of Jet action, say Welcome to all participants in Maple Flag!

Have a great week and we'll talk again soon. Dave.