Just seven months after openings its doors, the Agrim Centre in Rimbey has become a hub of community activity. A prime example of that takes place December 11 & 12th, with a double header of farm and rodeo fun and education.
On December 11th, hundreds of local elementary students will visit the Agrim Centre for the first Ag for Life Rural and Farm Safety Day.
“We’ve had this in the works for months,” explains Rimbey Ag Society President Tim Edge. “We want to support families in agriculture, and show what this building can do for the community.”
Partnering with the Alberta based Ag for Life organization, the Rural and Farm Safety Day will provide education with an interactive line-up of simulators, activities and demonstrations for students. The participants will learn about topics like animal, ATV, water, powerline, grain and large equipment safety. Ag for Life Founders, safety experts, local businesses and volunteers will also lend a hand.
“We feel it’s critical to have these youngsters develop and practice the skills to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy on their farms,” added Edge.
Then on December 12th, the popular Ultimate Cowboy event brings a brand new qualifying rodeo to the Agrim Centre.
“The Ultimate Cowboy concept has grown so much that we have more people who want to compete in our New Year’s Eve event than we have room,” says Ultimate Cowboy founder Scott Wyzykoski. “So we’re introducing the Rimbey UC5 Qualifier this year, to let some of the younger competitors have a shot at being part of our showcase event.”
The Ultimate Cowboy is into its fifth year of searching for true versatile cowboy talent, by having contestants compete in all the rodeo disciplines.
“They have to go outside their comfort zones, but you’ll be amazed to see how well many of these cowboys do at events they don’t regularly compete in. Although it does take a little cowboy courage and grit, ” Wyzykoski adds.
The Rimbey roster includes such competitors as Canada’s newly crowned All-Around Champion Josh Harden of Big Valley. Local favorites like Branden Dillman of Rocky will be hunting for a qualifying spot, but so will Montana’s LeRoy Eash, who’s a bronc riding champion with the World Class Bucking Horse Association. As well, Austin Stewart is coming up from North Carolina to throw his hat in the ring. He’s a fifth generation cowboy, entertainer and trick roper.
The competition will be keen for the four qualifying spots available for the Ultimate Cowboy V, to be held December 31st in Calgary.
The rodeo action begins at 7:00 pm December 12th, and tickets are available at the door.
“Our building is so versatile and this weekend’s lineup really demonstrates that,” noted Edge. “We’ve also just 65 heated box stalls to the Agrim Centre. So we’re excited about new visitors, from farm kids to rodeo fans, visiting our facility.”
For more information, visit www.agrim.ca and www.ultimatecowboy.ca.
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