Manitoba Pro Chariot & Chuckwagon Association teams raced at the Elkhorn Western Weekend on July 30 and 31 thrilling crowds who are back after a two-year hiatus.
The event may have lost a few of the Elkhorn crowd and competitors to the Austin Thresherman’s Reunion and the Swan River Rodeo, also held this past weekend, however, Western Weekend was fun filled and a great event for home comers.
Chariot races started off the action - a fast two-horse team with the driver in not much more than a metal box on a two-wheeled axle on a well groomed and watered track. When the horn sounds, the teams of chariots or chucks explode onto the track and fly by in an instant, rounding the corners with dust and pebbles flying, along with a few cowboy hats. Coming down the home stretch, both rider and team give it all. As the winner is announced and the prize presented, the next teams prepare to run. As always, there is a little side betting going on in the viewing stands.
Western Weekend is put on by the Elkhorn Elks and featured other entertainment as well with perfect weather for the two-day event, except for a thunder storm north of the Trans Canada Highway. It wasn’t a problem with the horse teams which, for the most part, stayed in their trailers during the worst of it. Each day started off with a pancake breakfast put on by the Elkhorn station of the Wallace District Fire Department. The Manitoba Barrel Racing Association had competitors of all ages. Slo pitch games entertained ball fans both days.
Kids played in two large bouncy castles. A tasty mini donut stand was popular and there was great live music with Lyle Baldwin performing country and pop music.
A local committee raising money for a new play structure in the park was onsite with a great selection of ice cream flavors.
The grad class and their parents ran the new canteen, providing a hot roast beef supper that was a sellout. The money they raised will go towards graduation celebrations next June.
The beer garden was busy every night until closing time with friends, neighbors and music!
Ken Shackel an executive of the Elkhorn Elks Club, said "For our club and the people of the area it was a great event to get everyone together, seeing old friends and having fun. We could not do this event without the support of so many of our community members… So many people of all ages pitched in to make this weekend the best.”
