The Town of Princeton recognized cultural heritage and community spirit over the weekend.
On June 7 and 8, the Stan Thompson Memorial Rodeo took place at the Princeton Exhibition Grounds. The family-friendly experience featured a wide variety of events and capped off the town's inaugural Rodeo Week.
"Dedicating a week to celebrate and promote rodeo activities will enhance community engagement and honour this important aspect of our local identity," the town stated. "This tradition promotes values of skill, bravery and sportsmanship, and provides an opportunity for community gathering and celebration."
The rodeo included heart-pounding events such as bull riding, bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing and wild horse racing, as well as food vendors, craft vendors and much more for the whole community to enjoy.
A sold-out rodeo dance and concert by Alberta country singer Chris Brien helped wrap up the weekend celebration of Western culture.
"An amazing group of people working hard to carry on the legacy of those that had a dream, and that dream has become reality," Princeton resident Cub Wright said. "A very fine rodeo has emerged, and a big hand to all involved—you make Princeton proud."
The Princeton Rodeo Club thanked the hardworking volunteers and dedicated rodeo committee, sponsors, talented contestants and the whole community for coming out and making the rodeo one to remember.
"From the bottom of our hearts, we want to send a huge thank you to everyone who made this event such a tremendous success," the club stated. "Your cheers, your spirit and your love for rodeo are what make this event so special, and together, we honoured Stan Thompson’s legacy in the best way possible."
