With a very successful rodeo freshly packed away for another year, and talk of plans for the 30th year anniversary next year, I predict this rodeo weekend will go on for another 30 years and next year will simply be an important milestone.
The rodeo committee is not resting on their laurels, but works year by year to improve the weekend.
The fact this weekend holds other attractions such as the Demo Derby and Downtown Daze extends the base of sponsor support and engages broad public interest.
There was a time when organizing the downtown festivities became heavy on a couple of people’s shoulders. Now with Virden Community Chamber of Commerce making this a priority, thanks to Amanda Isaac’s hard work as Chamber Manager, some fresh approaches are being tried out and there is renewed energy.
I hope VCC is taking good care of their chamber manager. Isaac has dug in and done a lot for town events over the past couple of years.
The actual rodeo is crowd pleasing; there’s not a lot of waiting between events. That is huge for spectators. The added venues around the arena concourse seem like a no-brainer. Stuffed bears, clothing and equine products are great. However, I was looking for chocolate, nut covered ice cream bars....
Merv Jebb, seasoned in food service, headed up the main floor concession. Volunteers joined his workforce there to help serve tasty treats and earn some money for their organization.
Rodeo contestants are flocking to the Virden rodeo, as evidenced by the larger than ever rodeo slack which ran through the day Sunday.
Rodeo parade has enjoyed cooperative weather for years now, one of the most crucial aspects for a good parade. In the fashion of Calgary Stampede, or Brighton, ON, Apple Fest, and dozens of other event parades, prizes for best children’s entry, commercial, volunteer club, horse drawn/riders entries etc. would be fun too.
And personally, I miss the rodeo fashion show.
Virden Indoor Rodeo & Wild West Daze has a great foundation with people who enjoy working together, are willing to think big, take care of the details. That’s the magic.
Barring some unforeseen cataclysm, it doesn’t take much of a prophet to say VIR&WWD will continue in what Steve Dryden termed, “an upward spiral”.
