The Big Bang Barrel Race created a big buzz across Wetaskiwin from July 26 to 30.
The five-day event at the Agricultural Grounds saw big crowds and even bigger contestant prizes, with $250,000 in guaranteed payout and prizing, including a brand-new Rocky Mountain Dodge truck. More than 1,100 barrel races competed in the event.
Jennifer Neudorf had the fastest run of the week and was the highest earner for the second year in a row, collecting $27,810. Tana Millard took home the truck.
Events included breakaway roping, pee wee and youth racing, and runs leading up to the Showdown Round on Sunday.
When not watching races, guests enjoyed the many food trucks and vendors, such as Coffee Sisters, The Frosty Pony, Rocky Roadz Ice Cream & Gourmet Mini Donuts, Kountry Sass, Bread & Basil Wood-Fired Pizza, Cowgirl Covers, Behind the Barn Kettle Corn and Mi Ranchito Taco Bus.
The race is Alberta’s largest independently produced barrel race, according to their Facebook page.
More information on the event is available on the Big Bang Barrel Race website: supernovaproductionbarrelraces.com.