Week Eight

This past week was my first in Hanna. Being as it's almost a two-hour drive, we managed to arrange things so I only had to come out two full days, but it ended up being a fantastic week for photos. I like Hanna, despite the fact that it's hours from anywhere, it has a great small-town charm and I honestly don't think I've ever met such friendly people. Here are the highlights.

A young rider steers her horse around the barrels at the Big Country Riding & Roping Club's 3D Jackpot on Monday, July 18, 2011. RACHEL PSUTKA/HANNA HERALD/QMi AGENCY

Kaylee Mohl reacts as her horse Howdy knocks down a pole during the pole bending at the Big Country Riding & Roping Club's 3D Jackpot on Monday, July 18, 2011. RACHEL PSUTKA/HANNA HERALD/QMi AGENCY

Antique cars were on display at the Farmer's Market on Saturday, July 23, 2011. RACHEL PSUTKA/HANNA HERALD/QMi AGENCY

Bob Rossler of Hanna makes and sells wooden handicrafts at the Farmer's Market on Saturday, July 23, 2011. "You know, you're stuck inside all winter. It stops me from going to the looney bin," says Rossler. RACHEL PSUTKA/HANNA HERALD/QMi AGENCY

The Five Plus One Dance Band from Three Hills helped Hanna celebrate the 14th Annual Old Time Jamboree on Saturday, July 23, 2011. RACHEL PSUTKA/HANNA HERALD/QMi AGENCY (note: this was the cover of the week's paper)

Dancers get their toes tapping at the 14th Annual Old Time Jamboree on Saturday, July 23, 2011. RACHEL PSUTKA/HANNA HERALD/QMi AGENCY 

Dancers shimmy and sway at the 14th Annual Old Time Jamboree on Saturday, July 23, 2011. RACHEL PSUTKA/HANNA HERALD/QMi AGENCY

Yesteryear dance band gets the crowd going at the 14th Annual Old Time Jamboree on Saturday, July 23, 2011. RACHEL PSUTKA/HANNA HERALD/QMi AGENCY  

Lead singer Philippe Plouffe of Streets of Hastings belts out a tune at a concert at the Legion on Saturday night. Streets of Hastings was touring with Lacombe band The Smokes and Hanna band Storm the Gates to raise money for cancer research. RACHEL PSUTKA/HANNA HERALD/QMi AGENCY

Week Seven

Middle of the summer rut. That's what this is, however, I'm switching it up with a couple of weeks in Hanna before coming back to shoot rodeo, chucks, and running with the bulls. I'm excited for that. For the past week, it was a tight paper and I had no real photo assignments. Here's what I did do (photo-wise. I also wrote about 5 stories).

Jaymie Smith, 9, plays during one of Jumphouse Gymnastics drop-in sessions. Jumphouse will be hosting weeklong camps with gymnastics instruction, free play, and more throughout the summer. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

My nephews indulge me and let me take their portrait in the backyard.

Week Six

It was a slow week. I worked a long, long weekend beforehand so I got a couple of days off, but it meant that I had very few actual photo things to do. Here's what I did on my own time (Calgary Stampede things) and for the paper.

Duchess of Cambridge waves as they drive the Calgary Stampede Parade route far too quickly and in the dark. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Buildings at 6th Ave SE and 6th St SE are reflected in the tuba of a member of a marching band in the Calgary Stampede Parade. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

A young Blackfoot boy falls asleep midway through the Calgary Stampede Parade. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Jack Tucker, 9, keeps his eye on the ball while getting in a game of tennis at the Brent Boulevard tennis courts in Strathmore on July 4. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Town of Strathmore Council has decided to replace the decrepit fence at East Lake Road with a post and cable version, angering many area residents. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Week Five

Time is flying/crawling by. This weekend was busy with a gay rodeo, Canada Day, and Strathmore's centennial. Here are a few favourites.

Aaron Granley (right) of Edmonton decorates a steer as Andrew Clapperton of Calgary holds on at the Canadian Rockies International Rodeo on Sunday, July 3. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Shawn Carnes of Joliet, Illinois has a near miss during the junior bull riding at the Canadian Rockies International Rodeo on Sunday, July 3. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Chute dogging at the Canadian Rockies International Rodeo on Sunday, July 3. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

The Agricultural Society grounds were evacuated and the remainder of the Canadian Rockies International Rodeo cancelled when sudden strong winds and rain as well as reports of a tornado came through. The cancelling of the remainder of the rodeo meant that Sunday did not see the remainder of the barrel racing, goat dressing, flag race, bull riding, or the wild drag race. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

The Calgary Dance Express performed on Friday, July 1. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

The Shirtwaist Kings performed on Saturday, July 2 as part of Strathmore's Centennial celebrations. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Two girls enjoy Kinsmen Park lake and a sunny Canada Day. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Fireworks concluded Canada Day in Strathmore. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY