A Holly Jolly Weekend at the Candy Cane Classic in McCook, Nebraska
This past weekend, EMDukat Photography had the pleasure of capturing the excitement and festive cheer at the Triangle Cross Candy Cane Classic Barrel Race, hosted by Triangle Cross Barrel Racing at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds Kiplinger Arena. From thrilling equine athletes being cheered on by spectators and competitors alike, to the spirited Holiday Sweater Contest, the event truly embodied the magic of the season.
Barrel Racing Excellence Meets Holiday Spirit
The Candy Cane Classic brought together talented barrel racers and passionate spectators from across Nebraska and beyond. The riders showcased incredible skill and determination, giving us unforgettable action-packed moments to capture through our lens. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a barrel racing enthusiast, the event proved why equine sports hold a special place in our hearts.
A Festive Atmosphere Full of Cheer
This year’s Holiday Sweater Contest, sponsored by EMDukat Photography, was a highlight of the weekend. With over 20 official participants and countless others joining in the fun, the Kiplinger Arena was brimming with holiday spirit. From dazzling DIY sweaters to the hilariously ugly, creativity was on full display. The holly jolly vibes were infectious, sparking great conversations and praise for the Triangle Cross Barrel Racing crew for hosting such a fun-filled event.
Meet the Contest Winners and Honorable Mentions
Fan votes poured in for the contest, with an astonishing 480 responses via the online voting link and over 600 votes on Facebook. The winners were:
Maura Christen, dressed as The Grinch, who not only wowed the crowd with her outfit but also competed in full costume.
Natalie Harrington & Hadly Ureste + Family, whose coordinated holiday look stole the show.
Honorable mentions included:
D'Ann Gehlsen and Hadley
Hattie Vasa
Heather Rhinehart, our Queen of Holiday Spirit
Susie Wahlgren
Congratulations to everyone who participated—you truly made this event unforgettable!
Winners received a Golden Rose Homestead holiday goodie box filled with local treats and specialties, featuring Billy Buck’s Smokehouse’s 5.5oz small rubs—Bucks Rub, Spicy Rub, and Steak Rub—and Golden Rose Homestead’s Dill and Onion dip mixes. Plus, a little something extra: Baker’s Chocolates.
Check them out for your next gift or holiday treat, and even better for their award winning beer bread mixes, jams and jellies!
Explore Your Event Photos
Were you part of the Candy Cane Classic? Check out the full gallery of event images here. From action shots of the equine athletes, it's easy to relive the weekend's highlights by purchasing your favorite images!
To learn more about EMDukat Photography's event coverage, find out where we are next, or to check out other event galleries, click on over to the Equine Events page via the button below!