Norfolk Pro Rodeo provides ‘Rawhide’ action
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Chris Abbott
Editor
Norfolk Pro Rodeo was ‘rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on July 17-19.
Sanctioned by International Pro Rodeo Association and hosted by Rawhide Rodeo Co. at Timmermans Ranch just north of Nixon, the ninth Norfolk Pro Rodeo, featured three full rodeo performances.
And a whole lot more with vendors, food and beverages on site, concerts, kids activities… enough for a long day of entertainment.
“Friday and Saturday were both amazing,” said Jason Hale, Norfolk Pro Rodeo marketing manager. “Some of our largest crowds ever. Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day in spite of a little bit of rain in the afternoon – that was quick and over with – and two concerts immediately followed the rodeos. George Canyon on Friday night, Aaron Pritchett on Saturday night. The atmosphere was amazing, unbelievable. Everyone was friendly, excited, happy to be there.”
Approximately 10,000 people came out to watch over the three days, easily accommodated by added grandstand seating.
“For the concert, we tightened up our space a little bit and added a large bleacher over there for seating – a lot of people enjoyed that. It allowed them to be above the crowd and see things. The crowd still felt full, but it wasn’t shoulder to shoulder.”
Sunday was Family Day, enjoyed by rodeo fans of ALL ages.
“We try to gear Sunday towards families. All of the days are ‘kid friendly, family friendly,’ but on Sundays we offer a discount family pack. We had the kids section open - there was a bubble party, hula hoops going, games and fun things, and it was pretty successful. Some people with kids will come to the rodeo early for that, do the rodeo, then go home. Some people come see the rodeo, then stick around, get a bite to eat. It gives people some different opportunities to enjoy it.”
‘Kids rodeos’ were held Saturday and Sunday an hour-and-a-half before the pro rodeos.
“The kids get invited out to the arena, meet some horses, run around in the mud a little bit, have some fun.”
Cowboys and cowgirls guided children with hobby horses around barrels, demonstrated roping on toy targets, encouraged them to run between poles, and taught some trick roping.
Several community organizations had the opportunity to raise funds on the weekend, including ABEL Enterprises, Simcoe Lions Club, Be the Difference (mental health awareness), Art with Heart, Norfolk 4-H, Delhi La Salette Knights of Columbus, First Simcoe Scouts, South Oxford Storm (hockey), Simcoe Minor Hockey, Woodstock Wildcats (hockey), Simcoe Minor Lacrosse, Delhi Norwich 59ers (hockey), and District 5 Snowmobile Club.
“We do some give-back,” Hale noted. “We love to do things like that. They’re helping us and we like to help them back.”
In addition to the Norfolk Pro Rodeo, IPRA rodeos on the same weekend were held in New York state, California, Indiana (two), Florida, Missouri, Quebec, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Rodeo athletes compete in hundreds of rodeos across North America during the 2026 season, collecting points, vying for a chance to compete at the year-end grand championships.
Big things are being planned for the 10th anniversary Norfolk Pro Rodeo in July 16-18, 2027.
“We’re looking forward to it,” said Hale. “Tickets will go on sale early in 2027. Check out our website for more information.”
2026 NORFOLK PRO RODEO
July 17-19
Total Prize Money: $30,330
Bareback Bronc: Tommy Belanger (76) $1,530
Bull Riding: Jacob Macinnis (72) $1,512; Ben Hoogers (70) $1,008
Saddle Bronc: Tate Minor (79) $855; Gideon Stutzman (76) $513.00; Zac Bourgeois (74) $34
Tie-Down Roping: Scott McMahon (9.6) $1,350; Ty Hoggart (13.1) $810; Rafael Lara 16.0 $540
Steer Wrestling: Darcey Saunders (8.1) $1,296; Austin Stewart (16.5) $864
Cowgirl Barrel Racing: Leslie Richards (15.889) $1,531.80; Deb Olyschlager (16.341) $1,332; Brielle Prince (16.455) $1,132; Jocelyn McNichol (16.457) $932; Haley Silliker (16.498) $732; Mackenzie Murdoch (16.540) $532; Maika Marcotte (16.604) $333; Amy Newman (16.633) $133
Team Roping: Austin Stewart & Jarod Nooren (6.0) $1,282.50 each; Arturo Junior Gallegos & Chad Beechey (6.1) $1,068.75 each; Jamie Hanley & Matthew Mousseau (6.5) $855 each; Jeff Zehr & Zack Fiddick (7.8) $641 each; Brandon Hennings & Chad Beechey (11.5) $427 each
Cowgirl Breakaway: Jayden Doutt (3.3) $1,350; Olivia Jamieson (3.5) $1,125; Bailey Donaldson (3.9) $900; Athena Fox (4.1) $675; Dani Beechey (4.7) $450
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