The 2008 Rodeo Weekend here hosted by the Egremont Optimist Club won the Rodeo of the Year award in Milton at the annual Ontario Rodeo Association banquet last weekend.
Holstein is located just outside the Wellington County borders, just east of Mount forest
The award is voted on by the full membership of the Ontario Rodeo Association and is judged on criteria such as grounds, stock, competition, and atmosphere to name a few.
The Holstein rodeo has developed from a two day event in 2003 with 2,000 attendance, to a four day event in 2008 with 17,000 admissions, and has grown from being a local community event to attracting tourists from across Canada and the northern United States. The rodeo committee has over the years added a fish fry dinner, headline entertainment and a rodeo on Friday night, annually increased the entertainment budget for Saturday, introduced camping in 2007, and last year added Team Penning on Thursday night, thus becoming a four day show.
The Egremont Optimist Club and the rodeo committee thanked those who helped them earn the award, including its sponsors, our volunteers, producers, entertainers, cowboys, cowgirls, vendors, suppliers, and the thousands of visitors.
Plans are under way for the 8th annual Holstein Rodeo Weekend July 9 to 12, with several changes in the planning stages to enhance the visitor experience. The show is also in the process of booking its entertainers for next year.
