Rodeo in the city

The Ram Tour rodeo was in Mississauga this weekend for its concluding event in the 2010 tour.
My brother and I have gone a number of years, and went Sunday. As you can imagine, considering this is pretty much a photo blog, we walked through the door, me with a camera bag and a long lens camera strapped on my neck, and James with two cameras. We bought our tickets from a group of about 5 staff, then walked through the gates, kindly greeted by two more staff. Then we wandered a bit, again, passing lots of staff memembers, and headed to a gate to head into the seats. That's when a gate usher asked "are we media, do we have a wrist band?". No, I reply. Well, "no cameras" is the refrain.
So I head back to the gate to get my money back. Staff there do the classic "well, I didn't let you in" when I say that a million people watched me buy the ticket, and walk through the door. Why didn't anyone stop me then?!?!?!
Eventually talked to some lady who first indicated that too bad, no camera's allowed, before suddenly saying that the Rodeo does allow cameras. She advised the gate usher, and then coming back, advised that there is a sign on the door warning everyone about prohibited items, inlcuding cameras. After the show, I did go back to the front doors to look for the sign, and she was right, there is one. Unfortunately its on the way into the seating area, not into the building. As a result, you buy your tickets BEFORE YOU SEE THE STUPID SIGN!! Lot of good that is. She also indicated its "on your ticket". If anyone can read that tiny print, well, you've got the best eyesight in the world!

Anyways, back to the event.
The show started with the bucking horses,





then they moved into more horse/cattle techniques, like steer wrestling and roping.





Also taking place was some barrel racing,



and some junior bull riding,



which led to the big boys, both in regards to the riders and the bulls!

Nite time at the Fall Fair

One of the great things about attending the fair is to take some long exposure photo's of the rides. With the many lights, including strobes, along with the colours, it makes for some great opportunities to take pics!

If its Fall, it must be time for a Fair!

With the change in temperature as we move into fall, its Fall Fair time in the neighbourhood.
I headed into Acton to catch the action at the Acton Fall Fair, with my brother and his family.

The family posed under the large sign which was desinged by my Sister in Law, Ann.



We then headed into the world of rides, with the kids and the parents having fun!







There was lots of animals, including these little bunnies!



and this one that reminded me of David Spade!



The big event on Saturday Nite was the Elvis show, whith various impersonators performing on stage.

There was Elton John;



Johhny Cash;



Tom Jones;



Rod Stewart





And the King himself!





Miss Acton and entourage also enjoyed the show!

The Ukraine in Canada

This past weekend (Sept 17-19)the Bloor West Village celebrated the Toronto Ukrainian Festival.
I've been to a few Ukranian events (Carabram), and everyone has seen the dancing and egg decorating, so I decided to head down and catch the action.

First on the schedule was the parade, as various groups marched through the streets, including Miss Toronto Tourism 2010, Alana Miss;



Lots of traditional dress was on hand;











The parade participants were carefully scrutinized by the Judges,



One of which was someone I worked with at the City O Mississauga, Christina. She was described as the "future" of the event!! Here she is presenting the awards for best in the parade.



Back at the other end of the event was the centre stage, where a traditional dance took place.







And of course, what ukrainian festival would be complete without lots of food,



including this massively long bread!



And with all that food, it was fitting that the parade marshall was celebrity chef Ken Kostick



Unfortunately another famous canadian of Ukrainian descent, Larysa Harapyn, was no where to be seen :(



And of course, being as this is municipal election time, the area was chock full of politicians tyring their best not to be politicians, including one who "kindly" reminded the MC that they were a "MPP" when it wasn't mentioned in the intro!