The 3rd Annual Buckin' at the Brook

    To truly appreciate what is being built out on the dirt in western Leduc County, you have to understand the deep, resilient roots of Sunnybrook itself. This is a hamlet where the population currently hovers right around 50 people, yet its footprint in Alberta's agricultural and western history is undeniable.

    Sunnybrook officially put itself on the map on December 1, 1908, when the local post office opened its doors to serve the mixed-farming homesteaders who were clearing the heavily wooded bushland. Shortly after, on July 9, 1910, the community laid down its educational foundation by establishing the Sunnybrook School District #2230. It proudly operated under that name until 1934, when it was absorbed and renamed the Warburg School District.

    Today, despite its small size, the heartbeat of the community is stronger than ever, pounding directly out of the iconic Sunnybrook Hotel & Bar. It is the absolute center of the hamlet, a local staple that punches well above its weight class. It is such a legendary watering hole and community hub that it has even hosted a PBR Canada bull riding event right there on the grounds—an incredibly impressive feat for a town of 50 people, but one that perfectly embodies their unyielding dedication to the western way of life. Just down the way on Range Road 22, the Sunnybrook Community Hall continues to keep those rural traditions alive, serving as a gathering place for everything from community events and garage sales to local car shows.

Building for the Long Haul

    That pioneer spirit of hard work and looking out for your neighbors is exactly what the Sunnybrook Western Heritage Foundation brought to life on Saturday, August 22nd, with the 3rd Annual Buckin' at the Brook.

    When the foundation kicked off the inaugural event two years ago, they set up across the road at the iconic Sunnybrook Hotel and bar right along Highway 39. It was a grassroots beginning with basic infrastructure. But fast forward to year three, and the foundation has relocated across the road, settling onto a piece of land adjacent to the community hall and campground that they have successfully leased from Leduc County. They are currently locked in for the next several years, with every intention of securing a much longer-term lease when renewal time comes to continue growing roughstock events.

    Stepping onto those grounds, it is almost impossible to believe the current setup has only been there for a couple of years. The infrastructure they have already established gives the arena a deeply rooted presence. Towering over the dirt are four massive sea cans, painted black and stacked to create a formidable, multi-level structure. The bottom units serve as a secure storage and office space, while the upper level provides an incredibly solid announcer's booth and premium seating. It’s a brilliant, rugged design, and the foundation already has plans in motion to bring in four more sea cans to replicate the setup on the opposite side of the arena.

    That kind of heavy-duty investment sends a clear message: Buckin' at the Brook isn't a flash in the pan. They are here for the long haul. It creates an incredibly welcoming, homey atmosphere—a vibe that tells everyone walking through the gates that they are there to have a great time, hang out, party, and make new friends.

    Perhaps the most refreshing part of the entire event is the people working behind the scenes to make it happen. Speaking with the organizers and volunteers throughout the day and evening, it was immediately clear that this foundation is not your traditional "old boys club." Instead, it is driven by a vibrant, energetic younger generation, many of them with young families of their own in tow. They are fiercely dedicated to building up their community and laying down a foundation for the future.

Cold Sparks and Championship Rides

    When it came to the actual action on the dirt, that committee proved they are truly fantastic at putting on a show. They took the initiative to elevate the grand entry by purchasing Cold Spark fireworks boxes. It wasn't a massive, bank-breaking expense, but it is a reusable investment that immediately added a touch of class and professionalism, giving the arena a true "big show production" feel right out of the gate. Kudos to them for going that extra mile; they already have ideas on how to utilize those boxes to elevate the show even further next year.

    Adding to that big-show atmosphere was Casey Wanchuk, an energetic young rodeo clown and entertainer working his way up the ranks. It is always refreshing to be at a BRC event with a dedicated rodeo clown in the dirt. Casey did a phenomenal job keeping the kids and fans fully engaged, and his back-and-forth banter with the announcer kept the energy high all night long. I will always appreciate a good rodeo clown, and he absolutely delivered.

    Down in the chutes, the athletes brought the heat. We saw a full eight qualified rides on the night, which was incredible to watch and something we haven't seen at a BRC event in a while. Due to a few riders backing out, several guys ended up getting on two bulls in the long go. Brody Beasley was one of them, and he absolutely capitalized on the opportunity. Brody made the whistle on both of his long-go draws, earning him the chance to get on two more bulls in the short go. While it was ultimately Jeremy Maisonneuve who claimed the event title with a massive championship ride to win the night, Brody's ironman performance meant he walked away with the largest overall cash payout of the weekend.

The Shark Cage and a Mighty Cause

    From the massive steel infrastructure to the action in the arena, the organizers are proving their hearts are completely invested in creating an event that unites the community. But this weekend was about far more than just eight seconds on the dirt—it was about rallying together for a cause that hits straight to the heart.

    This year, the infamous "Shark Cage" made its return to the arena. Offering the wildest, most adrenaline-pumping view in the house, seats in the cage were auctioned off throughout the night, putting fans right down in the action as the bulls came exploding out of the chutes. But the bids weren't just about getting close to the wreck; they were about backing a warrior.

    Through the Golden Circle of Champions, the Buckin' at the Brook family had the honor of adopting a child to support, with all proceeds from the Shark Cage auction going directly to him and the organization. That honoree is Mighty Maverick.

    At just 16 months old, Maverick and his family’s world changed forever with a brain cancer diagnosis. With his parents, Wes and Cayla, and his big brother, Wyatt, steadfast by his side, Maverick has faced down surgeries, intense treatments, and countless hospital stays. Today, at nine years old, he continues to tackle every single challenge with a level of courage, grit, and heart that eclipses most adults. Maverick is a daily reminder to everyone in the western world that life is simply about getting back up and facing whatever comes next.

    Every bid thrown down for the Shark Cage on Saturday night meant something more. It was a chance for a rural community to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, proving that when one of our own is in the chute, they don't ride alone.

A Different Lens: The VIP Treatment

    After the Friday night event in Drayton Valley, I had spent some time looking deeper into the Golden Circle of Champions. So, arriving at Sunnybrook on Saturday and knowing Maverick and his family were going to be on-site, I was incredibly eager to meet them and get a true perspective on how this initiative impacts the families involved.

    Seeing the family take in the sheer size and energy of the event was truly something special. The rodeo community immediately wrapped their arms around them. At one point, while the girls were warming up their horses, they asked Maverick's older brother, Wyatt, to hold a lead rope for one of the extra horses. Watching Wyatt proudly help bring that horse closer so Maverick could safely pet it was a deeply touching moment—a reminder of exactly why these rural communities are so remarkable.

     With any cancer diagnosis, you are acutely aware that every single day is a gift. The Golden Circle of Champions does phenomenal work, not just in raising funds, but in outfitting these families in western gear and treating them like absolute VIP royalty. With everything that goes on in their daily lives, having the opportunity to step away from the medical realities, take a day off, and just live like a family means more than words can express.

    I knew I couldn't afford to throw down the massive financial bids that others were dropping on the Shark Cage, but I wanted to do something special for them. I approached Wes and Cayla with an idea: what if we let the boys shoot the event from their own point of view? The parents thought it was a great idea. I handed Wyatt and Maverick my newest DJI Pocket 4 camera, clipped wireless lapel mics onto both of their shirts so we wouldn't miss a single word, and let them go to work.

    Watching the boys run around, having an absolute blast playing videographer, was the highlight of my weekend. Talking to the organizers and fans who watched the boys completely immersed in the moment, everyone agreed it was a fantastic sight. I haven’t even had the chance to sit down and go through that DJI footage yet, but I am incredibly excited to edit it together. It might not be a massive financial donation, but being able to use my gear to give them a fun experience, and creating a video they can cherish for a long time, is my way of giving back. It is proof that in this community, everyone finds a way to pitch in.

    Between the incredible production value, the massive structural investments, and a committee that pours its heart into causes like the Golden Circle of Champions, Buckin' at the Brook is setting a serious standard. Talking to the organizers about their ideas for the future, I can already tell that next year is going to be even bigger and better. I absolutely cannot wait to be back on that dirt.

Lee J. Kemp

Every Moment Is A Choice Studio 🔗 emiacstudio.ca

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