Ranch families showcased in agricultural events
Stampede Ag Barns bring critters many visitors have never seen on Family Day
After more than a decade at the Calgary Stampede’s Ag Barns, Manny the Llama has become a pretty good kisser.
And on this year’s Family Day Sunday, the regal, fuzzy and surprisingly friendly llama from Peru continues to bond three generations of the Bednarik family and please thousands of visitors every day at Critters Corner.
“The disposition of this animal is amazing — so calm and so gentle,” says John Bednarik, who has raised llamas on his 20-acre ranch just south of Okotoks for nearly 50 years.
“But he really brings our family together,” he adds.
“Everybody helps out, and because of the llama’s nature, these animals respond to everyone. It’s always so amazing to see how they interact with everyone.”
Manny’s favourite trick, John explains, is his kiss, probably because it involves getting a treat.
Just hold out a food pellet between your teeth, and Manny, short for Señor Manuel, will gently take it, brushing your lips with his wet snout, if you’re willing.
John’s 12-year-old grandson, Barrett, continues to be involved with the daily care of the llamas at the family ranch, feeding or walking them as you would a dog on a leash.
But more than anything, Barrett loves showing off the unique animals to city slickers at Stampede every year.
“People really love Manny,” says Barrett.
“A lot of kids here say they’ve never seen a llama before. It’s great to see how happy he makes them.”
Jenna Morris, mother of three boys aged 8, 10 and 12, says they come every year just to see Manny and his famous kiss.
“He is so beautiful and always so calm and sweet.
“My boys think he’s the cutest thing at the Ag Centre.”
Lisa Bednarik, Barrett’s aunt and John’s daughter, says the family also uses Manny’s luxurious wool — or fibre — shorn once a year, to knit blankets, sweaters, mitts and tuques.
Lisa and her mother, Joan, use a spinning wheel to spin yarn from the llama’s fibre. Although the family just knits for themselves, the luxurious llama fibre sweaters have been known to sell for as much as $600 outside of South America.
“These animals are amazing. They bridge all generations together because they appeal to everyone.”
Llamas are domesticated members of the camel family, originating from South America, used by Andean cultures centuries ago for meat and travel.
Calgary Stampede’s Family Day Sunday also saw dozens of other families competing in agricultural events, including the Lesh family from Wisconsin who entered two teams in cattle penning, combining mom, dad and three kids aged 10 to 15.
“It’s an emotional roller-coaster,” says mom Colette. “But everyone works really hard and does their part. There is no greater feeling than competing with your entire family.”
Team cattle penning has horses and riders square off against the herd instincts of cattle.
A team of three riders are given 60 seconds to separate three specifically identified cattle from a herd of 30 and get them into a pen at the opposite end of the arena.
Other family competitors include four-year-old James Gabrielson, who will compete in the Miniature Horse competition. James’ family owns 15 miniature horses just outside of Chestermere east of Calgary.
And Josh Sandness, 14, is the youngest rider ever to be invited to compete in Cowboy Up.
Sunday saw Day 1 of the multidisciplined equestrian event with a $30,000 purse showcasing both horse and rider as they manoeuvre through a series of obstacles.