The Billy McDonald Memorial Rodeo held as part of this years Lakeland Country Fair in Lac La Biche began on Friday night with a tribute to the rodeo stock contractor who passed away in March of this year. McDonald, and his Hylo-based Billy McDonald Rodeo Company, hosted the annual Lac La Biche Rodeo event during the country fair at the Lakeland Agricom rodeo arena.
The memorial event featured two full nights of rodeo action and drew hundreds of spectators.
On Friday night, hats were removed and flags were raised to start the rodeo, recognizing McDonald for his contributions to the sport.
During the opening ceremonies. Lorraine McDonald, Billy's wife received a gift of flowers from Aurel Langevin, the president of the Lac La Biche Agricultural Society, as a standing-room-only crowd looked on.
After a moment was spent remembering McDonald, riders bearing flags-including those of Alberta and Canada rode through the arena in front of the crowd prior to the singing of the national anthem.
"Billy McDonald had a massive impact on so many of us. He was a friend, mentor and buddy with a presence bigger than life,” said rodeo announcer and friend Garry Gross. “This weekend we have some pretty big shoes to fill. We won’t be perfect, but we shall sure do our darndest to make Billy proud.”
The next rodeo in the region to feature Billy McDonald Rodeo stock is the Hell on Hooves event slated for July 27 in Boyle. The rodeo company is one of five regional contractors providing stock for the event that will feature saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding.
It is not known if the Billy McDonald Rodeo company will continue to host any standalone events.