Doug Richards of Richards Rodeo Stock was nominated for the honour of ARGRA's Anniversary 2013 Grand Marshall for the 2013 Big Rock Canadian Rockies' International Rodeo and Music Festival.

Doug and his family took a chance with ARGRA back at our first sanctioned rodeo at Symon's Valley Ranch in 1994 when no other rodeo stock contractor in Western Canada would ·touch a "gay" organization. Doug has lived his entire life in the ranching and rodeo world and has been a solid and constant supporter of ARGRA and the CRIR for our entire history. He is a "country gentleman" and has been available to us over the years to not only supply our stock but to step in when asked to read the Cowboy Prayer as part of our Grand Entry Invocation. Doug has brought his family up to respect and work with our community and has never shown the least hesitation when asked to change or add something to our contract. His ethics and honesty are exemplary and over the last 10 or more years he has never once asked for an increase to the amount of money we pay for his services because he respects that we are a non-profit association.

Doug Richards was seen as an excellent Choice for Grand Marshall this year si~ he has been working with us since inception. He has been with our organization longer than anyone else at this our Board of Directors and is held in high regard.

Congratulations Doug!

I am more than pleased to welcome everyone to the 20th Annual Big Rock Canadian Rockies International Rodeo. When Janie Van Santen phoned and asked me if I would be the Grand Marshall for the 2013 ARGRA Rodeo I was at a loss for words. Those who know me know that doesn't happen very often! Firstly ... Congratulations on 20 years of ARGRA Rodeo!!

I have always been one who looks forward to challenges in my life and when ARGRA approached me many years ago to supply the stock for their rodeo, I chose to be open minded and accept the challenge. After 20 years of supplying stock for this rodeo, the expectations and requirements have been the same as at all rodeos Richards Rodeos produces ... that being supplying the stock and staff ... which works well and follows the rules and regulations of the association. ARGRA has high expectations, as do all legitimate associations, and I have always done my best to fulfill them.

In the beginning, it was a learning experience for all of us. However; time, patience, cooperation, and understanding by myself, my crew, the committee members, contestants, volunteers, and fans have made the ARGRA Rodeo a well-organized and well-run performance which I am extremely proud to be part of. ARGRAs hard work and perseverance has produced a wonderful yearly event.

I would like to thank all of the committee, volunteers, officials and contestants that I have had the privilege of working with these past years and look forward to another 20! Thank you for teaching me tolerance, understanding, and for the many new friends we have met over the years.

Sincerely,
Doug Richards
Contractor- Richards Rodeo
2013 GRAND MARSHALL