-Taken from the online version of the Wetaskawin Times. Check out their website at: www.WetaskawinTimes.com
With additional seats added, it was still elbow-to-elbow as rodeo fans took in the Bull Ridin’ & Boot Scootin’ event this past weekend.
The third annual event, hosted by the Lakedell Agriculture Society, and held at the Lakedell Arena in Westerose, about 45 kilometres west of Wetaskiwin, featured some of the best bull riders and some of the rankest bulls around.
Bulls, dirt and cowboys were flying in the first event, which kicks off the 2011 World Professional Bullriding Inc. season.
Kyle German of Crossfield won the coveted championship belt buckle after besting five other competitors who rode their way into the short go around, where the bullriders had the chance to pick their own bull. German’s choice – Nite Lite – was a crowd pleaser as he rode the bull to a winning score of 88.5 points.
German had qualified for the short go around with a score of 88.
“I had two good bulls drawn, and it just felt good – really good,” said German, who was wearing a grin from ear-to-ear while holding his championship belt buckle.
“I finished fourth in the standings (of the World Professional Bullriding Inc.) last year, so this is a good start.
“Start out number one, and get them chasing me, instead of me chasing them,” said the bullrider.
Lakedell Agriculture Society president Rick Southern said the third annual event didn’t disappoint the fans or the organizers.
“We reconfigured (the arena) so we could get a few more people in here this year than we have in previous years.
“I don’t know what the count is but, yeah, we’re packed; we’re full,” said Southern, ” and the dance will be even better.
After watching the jaw-dropping bull riding event, dozens then took in the dance, featuring 2010 CCMA top new group of the year – Hey Romeo.
As for next year, with the Bullridin’ & Bootscootin’ gaining in popularity, Southern said the organizers will have to look at a possible expansion.
“We’re thinking of pushing the walls out, making fixed bleachers.”
Funds raised during the event, said Southern, will go back into operational costs and improvements to the Lakedell arena.
– By Jerold LeBlanc
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