Despite pulling off another successful year, local attendance for the 90th annual Jasper Heritage Rodeo was noticeably lower than previous years, according to Dallas Klassen, chair of the rodeo association.
鈥淲e鈥檇 like to get a little more community support next year鈥攖here didn鈥檛 seem to be as many locals as previous years. Even on the volunteer end there wasn鈥檛 as much local support as there usually is,鈥� Klassen said. 鈥淚鈥檓 not sure what it is鈥攚e had free shuttles going from town so I don鈥檛 think it was a transportation issue.鈥�
The four-day professional rodeo event came to a close Aug. 20. It was the second year in a row the rodeo was held out outdoors at the municipal snow dump, down the road from Whistlers Campground. 聽
Despite the drop in local turnout, Klassen said the rodeo was a major success, noting that the majority of attendees came from out of town.
鈥淚t went really well this year. The weather was a lot better than last year and we were pretty full each night,鈥� said Klassen. 鈥淚鈥檇 say it was a really successful year at the rodeo.鈥�
While official numbers aren鈥檛 in yet, Klassen estimated the rodeo averaged 700 people each night, which is about the same amount as last year. The venue鈥檚 capacity is 1,000. 聽
Along with attendees, Klassen said the rodeo had a full slate of highly skilled cowboys to wow the crowds over the course of four days.
鈥淚 think we only had 12 cowboys who had to turn away and that鈥檚 really good for this time of year because so many people are getting injured at other rodeos,鈥� Klassen said.
Last year a contract was signed between Parks Canada and the rodeo association, guaranteeing the rodeo鈥檚 location until the end of 2017 rodeo.
While plans aren鈥檛 in motion yet for next year鈥檚 rodeo, Klassen said he bets it will be another successful year.
Kayla Byrne [email protected]
