ST. PAUL – The St. Paul Rodeo Week is centered around the Lakeland Rodeo Association Finals, which have been hosted in St. Paul since 1988, thanks to a strong partnership between the LRA and the St. Paul Ag Society.
“The LRA will be showcasing the best of the best cowboys of the LRA,” says Andre Chamberland, president of the St. Paul Ag Society.
Chamberland says the competition is the climax of the rodeo season for the LRA, featuring the top cowboys and cowgirls hailing from across the province and abroad, who have competed throughout different rodeos during the summer to claim their spots at the finals.
Lance Fraser, president of the LRA, says the season has been packed with action, with 18 rodeos on the schedule taking place across the province.
“We even had one new rodeo come on in the schedule,” which was held over the August long weekend in Stettler, he says. “It was a great first year for them guys down there.”
And after a summer of rodeo competitions, Fraser says the top competitors will now be competing in St. Paul for the ultimate top spot.
Held from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, the rodeo showdown will feature traditional events like saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, and more, says Fraser.
He adds the LRA also added a new event in the lineup. “This is the first year we’ve added the ladies’ breakaway roping,” he says, explaining the sport has been gaining momentum over the last few years, and was featured at numerous other rodeos.
“There’s going to be lots of excitement, so come on down and see the exciting show,” says Fraser, adding the LRA Finals and rodeo week will also be an opportunity to showcase western heritage.
“Come on out for the whole week,” Fraser encourages, noting that in addition to the LRA Finals, the St. Paul community also has many other event offerings available. It is going to be a week filled with fun stuff and activities, he says.
“St. Paul really blows up during rodeo week,” says Fraser, thanking the St. Paul community for always getting behind the rodeo, and acknowledging everyone involved in making the event possible.
