Yee-haw! If none of the food, music, entertainment and of course, rodeo action, on offer in St. Paul this week doesn’t brighten your smile and put the spring in your step, then you better check your pulse.
There is no other event that takes place within the Town of St. Paul that generates as much excitement and combined efforts as the week of the Lakeland Rodeo Association (LRA) finals. This year will be the 28th year that St. Paul hosts the LRA finals, with all the finalists putting on a great show for the people in the area (see page 15 for our annual rodeo section, the Country Way, for more on local competitors and events being held throughout the week).
But the impact of the rodeo goes far, far deeper than just a show, a spectacle that lasts for four days and then folds up, leaving nothing but memories in its wake. Instead, it’s about a week in which goodwill, cooperation and community spirit rule the day - from the various food events that raise money for local causes, to the parade that brings in donations to the food bank, to each of the tribute nights at the rodeo that honour the people that have touched our lives, to all the camaraderie one sees on display as old and new friends meet again.
A great thanks goes to the St. Paul Ag Society for their volunteer efforts in bringing the finals to St. Paul year in and year out, as well as the Lakeland Rodeo Association, and the businesses and sponsors who make this week and this event as successful as it is. We wish everyone a safe and happy rodeo week.
Just remember, when in doubt - keep calm and rodeo on.
