The Small town of Beechy Saskatchewan saw its population skyrocket over the weekend, as the town’s annual festival created a huge buzz and made many good memories. 

Beechy Western Days was able to pack all the excitement of a rodeo, a rowdy race of unusual proportions, and the classic fun of a carnival into one weekend. 

The 54th annual three-day CCA Rodeo commenced on Friday, and as it was co-approved with Bull Riders Canada (BRC), members got to compete without being registered with the CCA. This created a full roster of cowboys and cowgirls across most events. 

Rodeo Committee Member Matt Blenkiron helped to organize the event. 

It was busy and full of entries,” stated Blenkiron. “A really good turnout in the crowd. Our rodeo went really well.” 

Over the course of three days, talented athletes showcased their prowess in the traditional Western events, competing hard for the chance to don one of the beautiful silver buckles scrawled with Beechy Rodeo Champion. The beer gardens post-rodeo were bustling and hosted multiple live musical performances by Saskatchewan artists. 

Bull riding Champioin Kahl Wasilow, receiving the Brian Claypool Memorial Buckle, presented by Matt Blenkiron.Bull riding Champion Kahl Wasilow, receiving the Brian Claypool Memorial Buckle, presented by Matt Blenkiron.
(Photo provided by Verna Allinson)

“Come Sunday, we host the circle finals. All the cowboys in the top 10 in each event came back on Sunday to compete for another prize. They really come into town this weekend because they get two chances to win a little bit of money.” 

Another kind of wild ride was seen in Beechy, as a track was made for some small-scale speedsters. The Lawnmower Race has only grown in popularity since its debut in Beechy. 

“Twelve lawnmowers were there to race, and they had different drivers for every lawnmower,” explained Blenkiron. “They were broken into teams of three: a team leader driver and then a Co-driver and then a junior driver, so the kids even got to race.” 

Customized mowers tear up the Beechy track.Customized mowers tear up the Beechy track. (Photo provided by Verna Allinson)

A local sports and recreation group also put together a kid's carnival, which featured bouncy castles, face painting, candy, and popcorn as well as some fun skill-testing games to challenge the children. 

By the end of the weekend, the rodeo committee raffled off a brand-new Polaris quad, which was won by local rodeo enthusiast, Wes Jansen.

Beechy's Rodeo Committee stands behind their raffle prize. (Photo courtesy of Matt Blenkiron)Beechy's Rodeo Committee stands behind their raffle prize. (Photo provided by Verna Allinson)

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