ST. PAUL – A clash between man and beast saw 32 cowboys from across the Lakeland and beyond face 32 rank bulls at the St. Paul Ag Corral during the Spring Bull-a-Rama on March 23.
The event was sanctioned by the Bull Riders Canada (BRC).
Andre Chamberland, president of the St. Paul Ag Society, said during the weeks leading up to the event, the society was worried about the potential attendance and did not know how many people would show up. But this worry turned out to be unfounded on the night of the event.
Excitement for the event was easily noticeable at the Ag Corral and there was little to no space to walk from the entrance area toward the arena.
The arena itself roared and the seats were filled to the max as the audience cheered on one cowboy after another. The cowboys fought to keep themselves atop the bucking bulls.
Over 950 people showed up. So, despite the worry about low attendance, the decision to re-organize the Ag Corral to allow for more seating was well placed.
“It was a great crowd and a great atmosphere in the building,” said Chamberland. “It was awesome to see our local people and people from the Lakeland come out. It was just perfect.”
Chamberland says the society hopes for more cowboys to participate in the future. “The way it turned was... kind of an eye opener for everybody. It just all rolled together really, really well.”
He thanked all the volunteers, the sponsors, the cowboys, and everyone who came out.
The Ag Society is now gearing up for the 26th anniversary of its High School Rodeo, which will be held from April 12 to 14, and is sanctioned by the Alberta High School Rodeo Association. Chamberland invites the community to come out and watch.
Results
Cody Coverchuk from Saskatchewan won the Bull-a-Rama with 156.5 points. Coverchuk was also the 2018 BRC National Champion.
After his win in St. Paul, Coverchuk ranks first in the 2024 BRC standings.
The next stop for the season will be in Forestburg, Alta., on April 13.
