35th Annual Dean Anthony Memorial Rodeo
Posted on May 24, 2019 by Maple Creek
The 35th Annual Dean Anthony Memorial Rodeo takes place in Mankota May 24-25.
PHOTO BY KATE WINQUISTBY KATE WINQUIST
One of the earliest rodeos of the season in the southwest happens on May 24 & 25 at the Mankota Fair Grounds.
The Dean Anthony Memorial is now in its 35th year. The event is named after the Mankota bronc rider that was tragically killed in a car accident. His parents and brother still call Mankota home.
We spoke to event organizer, Ben Switzer, and he expects another great event.
“We changed the format of the rodeo a few years ago and it seems to have worked out well. We usually get lots of local entries and we have events throughout the weekend so everyone can come out and enjoy the day.”
The performance will start Friday, May 24 at 6:00 pm with the slack starting at 9:00 am Saturday morning. The final performance will be at 6:00 pm Saturday night.
“We have a two-header timed event, so the top 10 in all of the timed events on Friday night and Saturday morning will come back Saturday night,” Switzer said.
The Dean Anthony Memorial is part of the CCA’s “Small Town Tour” which they have set up this year for the first time. This will take the place of the East and West Tours that were formerly in place and will culminate with a Small Town Tour Finale at Prairieland Park, October 11 & 12, 2019 in Saskatoon, SK.
Some of the southwest rodeos that make up the Small Town Tour include Mankota, Lancer, Eston, Consul, Val Marie and Shaunavon.
Cowboys can also compete for the Bob Larson Memorial Buckle. Competitors must compete at both the Mankota and Val Marie Rodeos at both ends of the arena to qualify (timed event and roughstock event).
There will be a Cowboy Auction on Friday night with an event picked that has the most local cowboys in it for Saturday’s performance.
The Lions Club will be hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast from 7:00-10:00 am Saturday morning.
There will be a beer gardens and music on both Friday and Saturday night. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Admission to the rodeo is $10 for adults and $5 for 17 and under.
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