ST. PAUL – Rodeos are a big part of Alberta’s culture and history, often seen as a reflection of the rural way of life. From Aug. 25 to Sept. 1, St. Paul rodeo week is back – the biggest rodeo event in the Lakeland.
Rodeo week highlights the Lakeland Rodeo Association (LRA) finals, which will be held at the Clancy Richard Arena. It’s a week-long competition featuring the best amateur cowboys and cowgirls in the LRA.
County of St. Paul Reeve Glen Ockerman says rodeo week is a genuine way to have a true rodeo experience in Alberta. When people talk about rodeos, he says many people often think of the “big shows” like the Calgary Stampede.
And it can be intimidating to attend the biggest rodeo events in Canada with all the glamour attached. But the reeve says St. Paul’s rodeo week is about bringing rural culture to everyone.
Also, “It’s very, very affordable,” Ockerman says. In some rodeo events, “They charge [$5] or [$8] for a bottle water,” he adds, but this isn’t the case for the rodeo week. “You can come for a [$5] lunch.”
“It’s friendly, and I encourage people to come. They’d be surprised to come to St. Paul and see how well [the rodeo] is run,” says Ockerman.
Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller agrees. For those wanting to experience a rodeo, or those who have never gone to a rodeo in the past, she says St. Paul rodeo week offers “a great way to experience the culture.”
Miller also invites newcomers and new immigrants to take in the events, encouraging them to take the opportunity to be immersed and exposed to the camaraderie and the excitement that rodeo brings.
“It’s truly an opportunity far and wide... a great opportunity to come down and just take it all in,” she says, adding, it’s also a great opportunity to end the summer season with family and friends.
“We do a first-class experience.”
Miller thanked all those involved who make the rodeo possible.
Andre Chamberland is the president of the St. Paul Ag Society. The ag society is one of the many groups that continue to make rodeo week possible in St. Paul.
Last week, Chamberland confirmed rodeo preparations were underway, and people could expect a week packed with many activities to occur throughout the town.
“There’s so much to see and lots of different things to do,” he says, listing examples such as the many food opportunities brought by local businesses and organizations, and other performances like the Ranch Rodeo that was held on Aug. 26 to kick off rodeo week.
He also says to look forward to the annual rodeo parade on Aug. 31 at 10 a.m., noting that in the past, “We’ve had up to 100 [entries] in our parade. It’s pretty awesome to see.”
This year’s parade theme showcases a milestone for the country’s Air Force – the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Centennial.
LRA Finals
The LRA finals will kick off on Thursday night at the Clancy Richard Arena with the first rodeo performance scheduled for 6:45 p.m.
The second performance is set for 6:45 p.m. on Friday.
Saturday will feature two performances, with the first one starting at 12:30 p.m., and the second at 7 p.m.
The fifth and final performance will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
