The excitement of outdoor rodeo returns to Yorkton this August.
Monday the Painted Hand Casino (PHC) announced it will host the 'Counting Coup CCA Rough Stock Rodeo'.
"We hope to attract a high calibre talent to this rodeo," said Jonathon Pasap, General Manager of the PHC. "We expect this to be the largest rough stock rodeo in Saskatchewan."
Pasap said naming the event Counting Coup was a natural given the sportsmanship and bravery associated with the act.
"The Painted Hand was revered both as a symbol of great bravery and honour to the warrior who received the mark of such distinction. A decorated warrior would charge at a fully armed enemy warrior in the midst battle and "count coup|" by touching the enemy with his bare hand. This act was recognized as the greatest feat of bravery executed by a warrior; to rush the enemy in combat and to assault him with a mere touch, thereby sparing the enemy's life instead of taking it away," explained material presented to media Monday.
As a rough stock only event, the rodeo to be held Aug. 10 and 11, will highlight only bull riding, along with bareback and saddle bronco competitions.
The Yorkton Exhibition Association (YEA) will be producing the two-day event.
Shaun Morin, manager of the YEA said with the rodeo situated right after an event in Weyburn, and just ahead of one in Whitewood, the number of cowboys should be good.
"I'm expecting well over 30 bull riders, and 30-to-40 bareback and saddle bronc riders," he said, adding the rodeo is designed so "riders can ride on both days," with top performers back the second night for an extra $1,500 in prize money.
Total prize money and awards will be more than $10,000.
The stock contractor for the rodeo will be Art Francis Rodeo Stock from Craven.
Morin said, "It's really exciting to be partners with the Painted Hand Casino," since both the casino and YEA are major entertainment purveyors in the city. "It's a great partnership."
Morin said with the calibre of event it should draw fans, especially with the event being held mid-week.
"We're getting away from the weekend for people going away weekends," he said.
Morin also noted it has been "well over 20 years," since an outdoor rodeo has been held in the city."
