We acknowledge the nancial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian

Heritage.

www.minnedosatribune.com
Vol. 131 No. 22 Friday, August 9, 2013
90 cents + tax

Rockin out
By JENNIFER PAIGE very year during the August long weekend excitement and energy fi ll the streets of Minnedosa. This past weekend people came from far and wide to enjoy a weekend full of great music, good friends, and take in everything Minnedosa has to offer. Ten years ago, Rockin the Fields was thought to be a goner with only good memories of past festivals to hold onto. But now, ten years later, a dedicated team of organizers and loyal volunteers have fi lled the hills of Minnedosa with rock music once again. Celebrating their 10th year of non-profi t co-operative, Rockin the Fields 2013 saw a non-stop line up of bands that drew a wide range of attendees. Th is years fan favourites included Trooper, Th e Trews, Starship featuring Mickey Th omas, Monster Truck and festival headliner, Th eory of a Deadman . Over the past several years, Rockin the Fields has evolved, growing every year, including this year which saw attendance grow to just over 2,000 visits per day, compared to 2004 when daily attendance was only 400. Organizers boast that the festival went as smooth as ever with no arrests or charges during the three-day music fest. Th e fi rst aid trailer was also uneventful only seeing minor scrapes and the odd person who drank beyond their limit.

Photo by Jennifer Paige

Continued on Page 8

Theory of a Deadman headlined year ten of Rockin the Fields of Minnedosa. Pictured is lead singer, Tyler Connolly.

and hangin on!

did its best to try to keep up the demands of the hungry crowd. Th e rodeo committee has already started talking about options for next year so that this issue does not arise again. We hope to have some new exciting food vendors for next year to make sure we are well stocked throughout the weekend, said Greg. Th e three-day rodeo weekend kicked off Saturday morning with a Manitoba Barrel Racing Association 3D barrel racing event. Later that afternoon, the fl ags of rodeo were carried into the main arena by riders on horseback to open day one of the Heartland Rodeo. The national anthem was sung by six-year-old Echo Desjardins. Th is young cowgirl also competed later in the show in the Pee Wee Barrel Racing event. Following the Cowboy Prayer, hard hitting rodeo action kicked off with hometown cowboy, Ben Marcino being the first to compete in the bareback event. Other events included Saddle Bronc, Tie Down Roping, Goat Tying, Team Roping, Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, Steer Riding and Bull Riding.

By DARRYL HOLYK

Evan Billings takes a sideways fall from a bull named Red Skin.
Photo by Darryl Holyk

he Heartland Rodeo returned to Minnedosa this August long weekend attracting competitors and spectators from near and far. Overall, things went well, said Minnedosa Rodeo President, Greg Woychyshyn. Th e stands were full and there were no real injuries to speak of so thats always good. The one area that did experience some struggles this year, was the quantity of food available onsite for competitors and spectators. With the canteen in the display building not open, the lone food vendor

Continued on Page 9