A look in from the Barrell Racing action Championship Sunday at the North Battleford Kinsmen Rodeo. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

A Packed Barn

N.B. Kinsmen Rodeo features large crowds, local talent

Apr 29, 2024 | 2:50 PM

North Battleford’s Access Communications Centre was rocking over the weekend with bucking broncs, country music, and capacity crowds at the 52nd Annual North Battleford Kinsmen Rodeo, held Friday through Sunday, April 26-28.

Complemented by what was gorgeous weather outside throughout the three-day event, organizing committee chair, Heath Gabruch said they couldn’t have asked for a better weekend all the way around.

“It was great community support again this year, whether it was the sponsors or volunteers or just people coming to the stands,” he said. “We sold out Saturday and we had to turn people away for the Saturday night performance [due to hitting capacity limits], so it’s just unbelievable every year and that’s why we continue to make this tradition carry on for 52 years.”

The weekend culminated with a huge announcement championship Sunday – that North Battleford has been named as host of the 2024 Canadian Cowboys Association (CCA) Finals this fall – which will take place October 24-27, back at the ACC.

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Gabruch said having such a large, marquee event come to the Battlefords is a huge boon to the community and all involved.

“Having the finals come to the Battlefords is huge,” he said. “It’s been 62 years that the finals have been going on, and for them to choose our community because of the rodeo we put on here, the faith they have in our committee and our community is fantastic. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Jamie Helder is crowed as North Battleford Rodeo Queen, 2024. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Among the big winners from the weekend was Rosetown’s Matt Pick, who received an incredible ovation after taking home first place in the Tie Down Roping event, with a finals time of 11.9 seconds. As a local-area product who has been attending the NB Kinsmen Rodeo for over two decades now, he said it was a moment he won’t forget.

“I don’t think there’s even words that can explain it,” he said shaking his head with a smile, eyes wet with emotion. “People come from a long ways and message you and tell you they’re coming to watch, so it’s a lot of pressure but that’s what it’s all about.

“I’ve been coming to this rodeo since I was probably 14, and I’m 38 this year,” Pick continued. “I’ve come here every year except the last one or two as I had some shoulder issues, so it’s a tough rodeo to win and one of the hardest ones of the year as lots of pros come in and there’s lots of competition.”

Pick said he’s thankful for the experience, and all that made it possible this year.

“I’d just like to thank all the guys that helped me along the way from this town. There’s too many to start to pick them out and mention them all,” he said. “But all the fans that come out, the Kinsmen do a wonderful job, this is one of the best rodeos of the year, and the whole town’s just… you know, it’s always going to be home.”

The full rodeo results can be found here.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

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