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Lyle Norn barrel racing closes out another fun series

Barrel racers had fun finishing off the second annual Lyle Norn Memorial Barrel Racing series Sunday, June 15 at the Stampede Grounds.
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Nikki Makofka turns a barrel Sunday

Barrel racers had fun finishing off the second annual Lyle Norn Memorial Barrel Racing series Sunday, June 15 at the Stampede Grounds.

The event was organized by Kaylee-Jo Henkelman and Shayna Dodds, who wanted to raise money for the Lung Association of Alberta and Northwest Territories. The series brought an average of 60 riders in the open said Henkelman.

“It was awesome,” said Dodds, “good weather, good ground. You couldn’t ask for anything better.”

She said like last year, they had a strong number of sponsors, which helped create many fundraising opportunities.

Dodds said the raffle was a big seller this year but they were a little bit down in barrel racers compared to last year. Henkelman feels rodeo season has competitors travelling all around the province and they are looking at different ideas to change up the program.

Having the peewee and youth barrel racers during the event added to the fun and gave parents a chance to see their kids try out.

“They’re the most exciting to watch for sure,” said Henkelman.

“Our main goal is to grow it every year and to grow our donation amount every year,” she added.

One of the ideas the pair are looking at is the potential of changing the series to a one-weekend event.

“To see if we can try and draw in hundreds,” Henkelman added.

She suggests this may bring more people to their event, which would potentially raise more money for the lung association.

Dodds says she is most proud of being able to work closely with Henkelman and accomplish the goals they set out to do. Last year the series raised $6,500 for the Lung Association.

Corina Dixon won the high point saddle and the series received a last-minute donation from the Royal Order of the Moose for $1,000.