The timing could not have been better as this will give a community flooded with emotion a reason to rejoice.
On Sunday High River’s Jason Glass won his first Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby after seven trips to the final.
Glass, one of High River’s most beloved sons, admitted he went into the Stampede final with his friends and neighbours in the forefront of his mind.
After all, several of his best friends were on hand Sunday in their regular spot in the chutes cheering him on. They were there despite the fact each of them suffered flood damage to their homes.
Glass said after the race he wanted to give back those people who have supported him so vehemently over the years, and the community he calls home, something to smile about amid the devastation.
On Sunday, with a blistering run from the number one barrel, Glass did just that.
Granted, there were tense moments as the wagons of Glass and Jerry Bremner collided coming out of the infield. Penalties have devastated Glass at the Stampede in the past. However, this time when Glass and outriders Reo King and cousin Chad Cosgrave walked on the stage one could almost feel the sense of relief come over his supporters.
With that, a community’s spirits were lifted as High River had something to celebrate and for Glass and High River it was overdue.
