Jack Miller hosted the first spring rodeo in the Hand Hills in 1917. The one-day-only open rodeo was organized to raise money for the Lonebutte branch of Red Cross. Since then, that spring rodeo has blossomed into the Hand Hills Lake Club, which now hosts a Pro Rodeo sanctioned by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
The weekend is not to be missed: free camping and a pancake breakfast accompany a full schedule of rodeo events and live music. Historically, it’s been attended by over 1200 people each year, and this year it will be held May 29-31, 2026.
Despite their growth, the community focus and small-town pride have never changed. Their motivation remains rooted in serving the region. “People lose sight of the past, and they lose the connection with their roots. I think this keeps us together as a community,” explains board member Connie Gammie.
That value is clearly reflected in the ways they give back to the community: donating to KidSport, supporting local breakfast programs, and contributing to food banks in Hanna and Drumheller.
They credit their success to the hard work of many hands, with thousands of volunteer hours poured into maintaining their three buildings and expansive grounds over the last 100+ years. “We’re driven by a commitment to our community,” says board member Connie Gammie. Everyone gets involved—young and old—and Connie especially enjoys seeing the personal growth in younger volunteers: “It helps develop them into good community members.”
For Connie, one of the highlights is gathering around the campfire with fellow volunteers during Pro Rodeo preparations. “It keeps us all grassroots,” she says with a smile.
Throughout the year, the club also hosts the Little Britches Rodeo, an annual turkey supper, Rancher’s Ball, Valentine’s Dance, and a charity auction. They also rent out their beautiful space for functions, which includes a large community club, an iconic white church, and a separate kitchen building. In total, they serve around 3,000 guests per year, not including private rentals.
As they continue to keep the past alive and remind people where they come from, it’s the perfect place to volunteer your time, attend an event, or sponsor their Pro Rodeo. Connie encourages everyone to come out: “You’re going to make friends, whether you want to or not,” she laughs.
It may look different than it did in 1917, but the spirit that first brought people together still endures at the Hand Hills Lake Club.
