Georgetown: Rodeo in Sand Creek began as a small pass-time entertainment for villagers in the late 80s to early 90s. However, sometime after, the activities ceased for a few years and were then resuscitated after a village Rodeo committee was established.
Held on Easter Monday, April 22, 2019, at the Eugene Andrew Rodeo Ground, the Sand Creek Rodeo attracted visitors from as far as Georgetown, East Berbice in Region 6, Jawalla in Region 7 and several tourists from countries neighbouring Guyana. Some persons who attended the Lethem Rodeo also travelled to Sand Creek to be a part of the experience.
Headmaster of the Sand Creek Secondary School, Kit Spencer took the opportunity to share with an audience, the history behind the village’s Rodeo event, briefly before the day’s activities was declared open by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock.
“The Sand Creek Rodeo started very small with just the Vaqueros from around the community and from nearby ranches. On Easter Monday it was held, the arena was very small then, the animals were very big and the cowboys had very huge hearts and so they competed and it was really exciting to see these men with their cows and their horses right here at this arena,” Spencer explained.
He added that the success of this event to date is owed to Eugene Andrew, former Toshao of Sand Creek, considered a visionary since he encouraged Rodeo in the village. Committee Chairperson, Francisco Gomes has since been facilitating the vision. “Sand Creek Rodeo has been growing from strength to strength so I can tell you this, you will have a wonderful time here and you will return to wherever you came from with memories to take back.”
Just before declaring this year’s Rodeo officially opened, Minister Allicock pledged the ministry’s support to the village’s initiative by contributing $300,000 to the day’s activities. This was handed over directly to the Sand Creek Rodeo committee who will ensure that the annual event continues to grow and be more of a success.
Similar to Rodeo in Lethem, the Sand Creek rodeo saw many competitors of all ages in various categories ranging from calf roping to bareback bronc riding among many other activities.
Starting just about 10:30hrs, the event kicked off with children participating in activities such as the greasy pig and catch the chicken. Those who had successful catches walked away with their pig or chicken.
Soon after, the real competition started with professional Vaqueros participating in The Best Dressed Male and Female Vaquero categories, calf roping under 10, under 15 and open, calf riding, bull riding, saddleback bronc, bareback bronc just to mention a few. Cash prizes were awarded to the best riders in each of these categories.
The hosting of the Rodeo at Sand Creek in South Central Rupununi is becoming a calendar activity during the Easter weekend in Region 9. The event continues to be supported by local business and individuals as it can be viewed as an investment to facilitate the continued growth of the annual Rodeo, attracting tourism.
While in Sand Creek, one can not only enjoy the Rodeo itself but the scenery, food and hospitality of the Rupununi people. Even as Guyana has been recently recognised as the number one eco-tourism destination in the world, persons are encouraged to include Sand Creek in plans for their trip to Region 9 for the 2020 Easter weekend.
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