Sixty-Three years and counting for York Rodeo
By Lori Johnson
YORK - The long awaited York Rodeo was held for its 63rd year August 8-10 at the York Ball Park.
With it came a long list of fun things to do, The event began on Friday with Kids Night, where ball games, and fun foam (tiny bubbles but tons of them) provided good clean entertainment. The Pigeon Falls Fire Department provided a firetruck and water for the ginormous "bubble bath.
On Saturday, co-ed softball, horse pull, cornhole tournament was scheduled, however, as groups who put on popular events can tell you, Mother Nature always dictates. It was a no-go for the softball tournament and because of the inclement weather and in the interest of safety, the decision was made to cancel the horse pull. Music by Tippenback Ridge brought the evening to a toe tapping close.
Starting off on Sunday was registration for the David Olson Memorial Tractor Ride which started out as part of the parade then went on from there. The parade is always well attended and this year was no exception. After the parade was a favorite of the kids - the kiddie Tractor pull, with trophies going to the lucky winners, Coordinator Dave Aldach, as well as the spectators seem to have had as much fun as the kids did. Following the pull, a kids coin hunt provided more excitement. The gymkhana had 20 signups for the eight events. Prizes included cash prizes, ribbons, trophies, and York Rodeo tumblers.
Everyone loves a parade and the York Rodeo goers were no exception. Led by the color guard, the parade included 4 area queens and the tractors on the Memorial Ride. Afternoon music was provided by Johnny Propane. The raffle drawing produced winners 1st David Linberg, 2nd Julie Anderson Paulson, 3rd A. Mish, 4th Wendy Sue Fitzgerald and Revolver Hayes Sell with 50/50 raffles both days. Charcoal chicken, brats, hot dogs and super nachos and beverages were available throughout the Rodeo.
Even with the rain, this year's rodeo was one for the memory books and plans are already being made for next year's 64th!
