Finding Ground at the Fairview Rodeo

Bu Yusi Mohammed

We didn’t plan to end up at the Fairview Rodeo. Honestly, the intention was to apply for the Grande Prairie Renaissance Faire, but somehow, we found ourselves in Fairview instead. It was one of those delightful surprises, the kind that makes you smile later when you realize you were exactly where you needed to be.

At first, we thought we were just attending a community event. But the longer we stayed, the more we felt a deeper connection, to the land, to each other, and to something ancient and unfiltered.

The air was thick with energy, dust rising like prayers, laughter in the air, and the unmistakable smell of manure grounding me to the moment. It was a reminder that, sometimes, the most meaningful experiences are rooted in simplicity.

One of the most touching moments was watching children do tie-dye on bandanas, their creativity bursting in colorful patterns. Their joy was infectious and reminded us of the pure, unfiltered perspective of youth.

Another profound moment was witnessing a child gently correcting their grandparent’s narrow minded comment. This experience was a powerful reminder that younger generations are more open minded, courageous and willing to embrace diversity. It gave us hope that as these children grow, they will help bridge gaps that have long existed in rural Alberta.

This experience also shifted our perspective on the assumption of racism in rural Alberta. We witnessed firsthand how openness and understanding are growing, and how the younger generation can help heal old wounds. It’s a testament to how bridging these gaps and conquering old prejudices is possible when we come together.

In the end, the Fairview Rodeo wasn’t just about the events or the people we met; it was about the transformation within ourselves and the realization that we are all part of a larger, evolving story.

We ended our unexpected journey not just at the Fairview Rodeo but with a heartfelt dinner in Grande Prairie a little while later. There, we reconnected with the youth we originally intended to meet at the Renaissance Faire, an event that was actually still a month away.

Gathered around the table, listening to these young voices talk about policy shifts and fill out postcards to share their perspectives was a powerful reminder of why these connections matter. It was a moment of bridging intentions and places, reminding us that even a mixup can lead to the most meaningful dialogues. In the end, it all became part of that larger, evolving story we’re all a part of.