ST. PAUL – It has been over 30 years since the St. Paul Agricultural Society and the Lakeland Rodeo Association (LRA) shook hands to bring the LRA Finals to St. Paul, making the annual rodeo week not only a tradition in St. Paul, but across the Lakeland.
Fast forward to 2023 - local politicians and other community leaders reflect on this annual tradition and how it evolved to become what it is today.
“It started off as a fairly small rodeo back in 1973,” explains Andre Chamberland, president of the St. Paul Agricultural Society. And at one point, the St. Paul rodeo was held over just two days. Then the Ag Society approached the LRA to bring the LRA Finals to town.
It has only grown since then and the rodeo has become a well celebrated event in the community, says Chamberland. As a rural community, it’s a give-in that there are many farmers, producers, cowboys and cowgirls in the region, so “everybody loves a rodeo.”
Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller agreed, noting the rodeo reflects the agricultural industry in the region. So, it is also a celebration of St. Paul’s agricultural community.
And it is a bonus to be able to host the LRA Finals. Hosting the LRA Finals requires an application that has always been taken care of by the Ag Society, and it’s not just given for free, nor should it be taken for granted, says Miller. "We definitely appreciate our Ag Society for taking charge of that.”
County of St. Paul Reeve Glen Ockerman says the rodeo also showcases what rural Alberta is all about, particularly northeast Alberta. Rodeos are a reflection of the “rural way of life,” says the reeve.
Economic Advantage
In addition, County of St. Paul Coun. Maxine Fodness believes rodeo week not only recognizes agriculture and the rural community, but it also “promotes economic unity,” which is a sentiment fellow Coun. Kevin Wirsta agrees with, stating the rodeo brings economic benefits to the community.
The rodeo brings many people to town from other parts of the province – including rodeo contestants, their friends and families, and those who simply wish to check out the many activities that take place during rodeo week.
Miller agreed, noting she always asks people where they come from, and there are often first-time visitors to the area, “So, that’s always sweet that we’re able to showcase our community.”
Lance Fraser, president of the LRA, says the LRA has always partnered up with St. Paul and the Ag Society because the community always gets behind the rodeo. This includes support through sponsorships, and also other business support, such as how businesses often decorate their windows to celebrate rodeo week.
“It’s an awesome atmosphere the town has during that week... and even leading up to the LRA Finals,” says Fraser. “It speaks volumes to the type of people that live in St. Paul,” and “we as cowboys love to support back,” he says.
It’s a relationship that supports and relies on one another.
“That’s why [the LRA Finals] keeps coming back to St. Paul,” he says, stating that in addition to support from the overall community, the Ag Society also does a great job when it comes to ensuring the safety of the animals, contestants, and everyone involved.
What’s new this year for Rodeo Week?
When asked if there is anything new at this year’s LRA Finals, Fraser says this will be the first year that ladies and junior breakaway roping will be added to the list of shows.
There are also new features coming for this year’s parade.
“We have a marching band and a colour guard for the first time [after] a long time to participate in our parade,” says Chamberland, recalling the last marching band to participate in St. Paul may have been about 20 years ago.
“We are thrilled about that and it’s going to be a great feature,” he says.
The parade’s theme this year is “RCMP 150 Anniversary.” The Sept. 2 parade will start at 10 a.m., beginning at the assembly area near the Lions Soccer Fields. It will make its way down 42 Street between the St. Paul Shopping Centre and Cornerstone Co-op.
Then, it will turn onto Highway 28 (main street) heading west, before turning south 45 Street. The parade will then pass by St. Paul Elementary, Sunnyside Manor, and Extendicare, before heading back to main street along 47th Street.
The parade will continue all the way down main street and finish by the UFO Landing Pad before turning toward the Recreation Centre.
There is still time for community groups and businesses to get involved in the parade, and float registrations are being accepted until Aug. 31.
For more information about the 2023 St. Paul Rodeo Week, visit the Ag Society’s website at stpaulagsociety.com
