We’ve been involved for so long, this rodeo is like part of the family; we’re certainly going to miss it.
The words are those of Renne Reidy, who along with husband Trevor are wrapping up more than a quarter century of involvement with the Okotoks Pro Rodeo, an event that has become a staple on the CPRA’s annual rodeo calendar.
To truly appreciate the contributions of this dedicated couple, it’s necessary to look back at the history of the rodeo with the Reidys playing important roles at almost every juncture of OPR evolution.
Verge Reidlinger and Wayne Vold teamed up to start the Okotoks Pro Rodeo in 1991 as a fundraiser for the Bisons Hockey Club. Trevor Reidy came on board four years later in 1995 when it was becoming difficult for the Bisons to provide enough volunteers for the rodeo. A number of other community groups joined forces to help out, including Minor Hockey. Trevor was the Vice President of Okotoks Minor Hockey at that time.
‘We got volunteers from the various levels of minor hockey and we assisted with set up and tear down of the rodeo equipment before and after the rodeo,” Trevor recalls. “We also did security. I helped with all of those jobs, and helped sort and ensure the correct livestock number for the competitors in the timed event end.
By 1998 most of those community groups had stepped aside and it became a community rodeo run by volunteers. Renne came over from her involvement in minor hockey and synchronized swimming and as time went on, the Reidys’ involvement grew and the couple became President and Vice-President.
What followed was 30 years of dedicated volunteering for the rodeo and presiding over the event as it grew and became a valued part of the CPRA season. and moved first to the Hebson Arena and eventually to its current home at Millarville. One of the biggest challenges through the three decades of involvement with the rodeo is one that faces a lot of events, big and small—the funding of the rodeo. It’s an ongoing challenge but the Reidys grew the event’s marketing and sponsorship and the rodeo has been a solid financial operation and remains so today.
Eventually, however, another challenge reared its head. OPR was outgrowing its original home in the indoor arena and and a creative solution was required.
“We moved the rodeo to an outdoor facility,” Renne notes,” initially the Hebson Arena outdoor grounds but it too did not have sufficient seating and the rodeo was moved a second time, to the Millarville Racing and Ag Society Grounds, its present home. For a while it was confusing for people, but now everybody gets that we’re the Okotoks Pro Rodeo in a different location.”
Both Renne and Trevor cite an ongoing desire to keep the rodeo going for the community as a major factor in their commitment to the event and the association (Renne served for a time on the CPRA BOD as well.)
“We enjoy the sport of rodeo and watching young people in the community start as mutton busters and go on to compete in rodeo,” Renne acknowledges.
And that brings us back to the bittersweet feeling as they step aside from something that has been a huge part of their lives for three decades.
“Over the years we have held various positions on the OPR board,” Trevor reflects. “I enjoyed Marketing and Sponsorship of the rodeo and meeting all the various
Business Managers and people I have dealt with over the years while I was in that role. And, of course I enjoyed meeting individuals who attended the rodeo and especially the rodeo competitors.”
As they move on from their ongoing valuable contributions to the sport of rodeo, we’re reminded again of the importance of volunteers in helping rodeo continue to flourish and grow in our communities. The Reidys have been front and centre in that critical element in rodeo and their efforts will be appreciated for a long time.
With Trevor and Renne Reidy riding off into the sunset, there are some new faces on the scene. Ken Boniface is the President, Jennifer Taylor is Vice-President and Travis Whiteside (also the CPRA President) is the Director of Infield Operations.
A request to help in the infield at the 2024 Okotoks Rodeo gave Boniface a taste of rodeo production.
“I love the collaborative teamwork approach, and the satisfaction of knowing we have accomplished our goal, he noted. “I wanted to take my knowledge of business, my leadership skills, my love and passion for rodeo and contribute more of an effort.
“This event is unique,” Boniface added, “as it is one of the last events before CFR. We see the top cowboys and cowgirls battling it out for points and money that can contribute to their overall standings.”
Fans can also enjoy Alberta talent Drew Gregory who will perform at the cabaret, several kids/family style events and a western Artisan Market.
“The biggest challenge that I have had to overcome,” the new committee member notes, “is not knowing exactly what it takes to produce a great rodeo. As we look ahead to making our rodeo viable for the next decade plus one of the challenges I foresee is the increasing operational costs and the decreased availability of sponsors. These are difficult times financially not only for our rodeo but the businesses that support us.”
And the new President is very cognizant of the importance of the volunteers. “Our volunteers play such an instrumental role in all areas of the rodeo. Our board of directors all volunteer countless hours to planning the rodeo as well as ensuring the smooth operation of the event. Each of our board members has their own group of volunteers who assist with everything from ground maintenance, admissions, food and beverage service and helping in the infield to ensure a smooth performance. Without our volunteers, both board of directors and their teams, this rodeo, and any other rodeo would not be possible.
And Kenneth Boniface wanted to pay tribute to the Reidys.
“I knew accepting this role that I would be following in the footsteps of Trevor and Renne Reidy, and that in itself was a daunting realization. They have dedicated over three decades of their lives to this rodeo. They battled weather challenges, COVID-19, and a lot of other situations to make Okotoks Pro Rodeo a viable event. It is now up to me to ensure the legacy continues.
My end goal is to leave Okotoks Pro Rodeo better than when I came into it.”
Canadian Rodeo News story by David Poulsen