CHARLES TWEED/Ponoka News
Jace Harty continues to live on in the hearts and memories of his family and friends
This year will mark the 9 annual Jace Harty Memorial Bull Riding event with a change in venues, moving to the Stampede grounds.
“We have steer riders who are really all of the up and comers in the sport. As well as, junior bull riders who aren’t quite in the professional ranks yet and then we have the professional bull riders,” said Patrick Lentz who grew up with Harty.
The riding event is PBR sanctioned and features some of the best bull riders in the world today.
“We’ve got 30 of the top riders matched up with 30 of the top bulls starting at 7 (p.m.)” said Lentz. “A real crowd favorite is the Mexican bull soccer where we have two teams and add in a couple of small Mexican fighting bulls — it’s quite entertaining.”
The evening doesn’t end after the final buzzer however. A cabaret will follow at the Stagecoach Saloon featuring one of central Alberta’s own.
“Denver Daines will be the entertainment at the Stagecoach, so it should be a lot of fun from start to finish,” said Lentz.
The night will also give Harty’s friends and family a chance to reflect and celebrate the life of young man who died far too young.
“Jace was all about living each day like it was his last and it’s our way of giving tribute to him. It gives everyone an opportunity to celebrate his life and an opportunity for the up and comers to get some exposure,” said Lentz. “It’s a great community event with a lot of local volunteers and sponsors.”
A portion of the proceeds from the event go to multiple charities, said Lentz, as a way to give back in the name of Jace Harty.