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Irvine steps aside from BAD Rodeo

Keith Irvine has been one of the people synonymous with the Bikers Against Diabetes (BAD) Rodeo since the event’s inception in 2008. He has been a tireless promoter of the event, doing what he could to help it grow.

Keith Irvine has been one of the people synonymous with the Bikers Against Diabetes (BAD) Rodeo since the event’s inception in 2008.

He has been a tireless promoter of the event, doing what he could to help it grow. Proceeds from the BAD Rodeo were used to send young people and families affected by diabetes attend Camp Diabetes, so they could learn more about their condition and meet other young people affected by diabetes, all in a fun setting.

But due to health and work commitments, Irvine has not been able to dedicate the same amount of time as in the past.

“It was time for me to say I have to take care of my health,” said Irvine, who is diabetic.

The decision to step aside was a difficult one, because he and a couple friends created the event. But it also required a lot of time, as they were always planning for the event.

Irvine believes the success of the BAD Rodeo can be tied to its status as a family-friendly, alcohol-free event.

“There aren’t a lot of events that cater to the public and families, and that’s what we accomplished,” said Irvine.

They had an assortment of motorcycle games that involved many of the people in attendance. At one time there was a show-and-shine component, with winners in several different categories.  

The first edition of the rodeo in 2008 attracted 65 motorcycles. It was held in a field west of the city, near the Pioneer Richardson grain elevator. Now they attract upwards of 200 motorcycles per year to a field northeast of Bienfait that they call “Stanley Park.”

“The general public has expanded a lot, because at first it was classified as a motorcycle event, and the public didn’t jump on board,” said Irvine.

A turning point for the event came in 2011, when they were forced to relocate from their second location, the Roche Percee Park, due to the flood of the Souris River. They moved to the Estevan Walmart parking lot, and attracted a lot of people.

It also helped that they added a second event, the Get ‘Em Out and Show ‘Em Off barbecue, which takes place a few weeks before the rodeo each year.

“There were so many new people in town, and there were motorcycles you’d see all the time, but not know who’s riding them,” said Irvine. “We thought it would be nice to get to know other riders.”

They have been able to help a lot of people through the funds raised at the BAD Rodeo, and Irvine said he always enjoyed talking to people who were able to attend Camp Diabetes through the BAD crew’s efforts.