INNISFAIL, Alberta— The Daines Ranch Rodeo Grounds a few miles North West of Innisfail plays host to one of Canada’s top Pro Rodeos each year. It’s newest addition in the past two years is the Glencross Invitational Charity Roughstock Event which kicks off this Friday, August 23rd at 5:30pm.
That Glencross name might sound familiar to you hockey fans too as it’s none other than Calgary Flames’ Forward, number 20, Curtis Glencross. In his event’s first year, $196,000 was raised for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Alberta along with Hockey Alberta.
“We were shocked how good the event did go. It kinda made big expectations for this year” Curtis told over the phone this morning.”We didn’t want it to be a slouch of an event, we wanted to make sure it was going to be a good event from the get-go.”
A good event is an understatement as Canada’s top cowboys and the best bucking stock flocked upon Innisfail last August. This year is again no exception, featuring 12 contestants in each of the three roughstock events with the top four coming back for the Short Go for their shot at $5,000 in prize money per event.
Some contestants include Matt Lait, Dusty LaValley, Curent Canadian Standings Leader Tanner Girletz, Jesse Torkelson, Scott Schiffner and of course 2013 Guy Weadick Award winner at the Calgary Stampede, Jim Berry, who invited the majority of the contestants. With help from Russ Hallaby and Scott Schiffner, stock from the Outlawbuckers’ Rodeo Company, John Duffy, Bill Fesler, Wayne Vold, Todd Braithwaite and Justin Twogood, is set for each event.
“We went with supporters from last year and other people wanting to give back to rodeo.” Jim told of those involved with the Glencross Invitational. “Anytime we can give back and do what we want to do, that works really well. It’s gonna be a really good deal. Some of the best horses in Canada coming, four or five of them we had last year went to the NFR, this year at least half of the stock should go to the CFR. Same with the bulls, Scott Schiffner said this could easily be a CFR pen.”
In 2012 a Cowboy Auction was held with one person from each of the roughstock events being added to each team for a total of 12 teams. Jim was part of the high selling team too. “Denton Edge, Clayton Strut and I sold for $8,500. I think team that won took home $25,000.”
Thursday Night a Celebrity Poker Tournament is to be held at the Hideout in Red Deer, AB on Gasoline Alley. Curtis told of some of the celebrities you might be playing against.
“From the Calgary Flames we’ve got Kris Russell, obviously his Dad is a hall of fame bullfighter, he’s a new Flame. TJ Galiardi who’s also a new Flame, we’ve got Matt Stajan coming in, Derek Smith, Sven Baertschi some local guys in Brandon Sutter, Paul Postma and Matt Fraser. Then we’ve got some alumni guys in Charlie Simmer and Jamie McCowan. Then we’ve got Gord Bamford, a couple of Chuckwagon Drivers in Troy Dorchester and Rae Croteau.” Curtis finished with contestants or previous contestants, all champions in “Davey Shields Jr., Jim Berry, Kyle Daines, Todd Herzog, Kyle Thomson who won the event last year in the bronc riding and Reid Rowan. It’s for sponsors only and last year it was a big part of our fundraising.”
“Celebrities all wear their jersey, whoever knocks them out of the tournament gets their signed jersey.” Jim added.
Jason Greeley performs live following the tournament, which also includes a live and silent auction.
Title sponsors of the Second Annual Glencross Invitational Charity Roughstock Event include Penn West Energy and the Calgary Flames.
Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com
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