ESTEVAN - Many tributes were paid and many great words were said at the rodeo opening Saturday afternoon.
After putting a community-wide weekend-long event together in just about a month the Estevan Exhibition Association (EEA) started the main portion of the rodeo weekend off with recognition of its dedicated board members and volunteers.
Once the flags were brought out, all volunteers were invited to come to the arena.
“Our volunteers bring to you, our fans, an event they're very proud and passionate about. Without their hard work and dedication, we wouldn't be here tonight. So obviously if you meet a volunteer, please, please, please, even if it's not today, if it's downtown a week from now, six months from now, you can say thank you for bringing the rodeo to your hometown,” said Warren Allin, the announcer at the rodeo opening.
The biggest announcement recognized all the hard work and dedication of Graham Collie. To thank Collie, the association named the riding arena after him.
“Graham Collie is one of the hardest workers you'll ever meet. He's dependable. He's a go-getter. He's a dedicated board member. He's humble. And he … has the most contagious laughter you’ll ever hear. Folks, what we're trying to get you to understand here is our many, many events wouldn't be half as successful as they are without Graham.
“Graham Collie started with the Estevan Exhibition in 2003, when he served his first three-year term. He has been our superman for the last 18 years,” said Allin. “Estevan Exhibition Association is very honoured to announce and welcome each and every one of you to the Graham Collie Arena.”
Collie’s family joined EEA board members and volunteers in celebrating at the arena.
Other board members were also celebrated at the arena on Saturday.
Laura Mantei was recognized for 35 years of service with the Estevan Exhibition Association.
Flowers were also presented to the organization’s secretary Brenda Mantei, as well as to Stacy Holtz and Rhonda Gillespie, two very instrumental for the rodeo weekend members of the association.
The rodeo program will continue today, on Sept. 5 at 2 p.m., at the Graham Collie arena. Spectators will have a chance to watch bareback, tie-down, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, ladies breakaway, bull riding and much more.
