ST. PAUL – Rodeo week, the biggest annual series of events in St. Paul, is back from Aug. 24 to Aug. 31.
Local leaders say the rodeo is an opportunity to showcase rural Alberta’s identity.
The reason for rodeo week in St. Paul is the Lakeland Rodeo Association (LRA) finals, which will be held at the Clancy Richard Arena. The four days of competition features the best amateur cowboys and cowgirls in the LRA.
“The rodeo week is a celebration of rural Alberta,” said County of St. Paul Reeve Glen Ockerman. People from across the province who attend get a glimpse of the values of rural life.
“People come from all over Alberta to either participate in the rodeo [performances], visit, or just watch,” and he encourages people, including those who have never been to the rodeo week in St. Paul, to come out and immerse themselves in an authentic rodeo experience.
Sean Dolan, president of the St. Paul Agricultural Society, agrees that rodeos are “part of our heritage.”
“[Rodeos] were originally set up as a contest between guys that work on ranches and farms to show who was better at doing tasks on their farm,” he said. And because of this showmanship, rodeos, at the same time, reflect the ways of the past.
The rodeo reflects St. Paul’s culture and history, and also being an agricultural region in Canada, according to Dolan. “So, I’d like everybody to come out.”
Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller shared similar thoughts. With rodeo week filled with many activities, she said there is something for people of all ages to enjoy.
The concept of “giving back to the community is [also] huge,” she said. For example, proceeds raised through various rodeo week events are directed to local non-profits, who then infuse the funds back into the community.
“Come out. Meet the community and enjoy the festivities,” said the mayor.
Yvonne Weinmeier, executive director of the St. Paul and District Chamber of Commerce, said rodeo week is a perfect time to decorate businesses, light up the streets, “and show off our cowboy charm.”
“It’s about creating a welcoming atmosphere filled with laughter, fun, and community pride,” she added.
Weinmeier also invites people to the Chamber’s Rodeo Kick-off Party on Aug. 27. “It gives us all a chance to sit back, relax, and recharge before diving into a busy rodeo week,” she said.
The kick-off party is an opportunity for local businesses to connect, network, and support. A portion of the proceeds raised at the kick-off party will be going toward St. Paul KidSport. Tickets for the kick-off party are available online.
Rodeo week events
Rodeo week festivities officially started on Aug. 24 with the Ranch Rodeo held at the Clancy Richard Arena.
Rodeo action will return with the LRA finals starting at the Clancy Richard Arena on Thursday night at 6:45 p.m. Doors will open roughly an hour before each rodeo performance, from Aug. 28 to 31.
The second LRA rodeo performance takes place on Aug. 29 and begins at 6:45 p.m.
On Aug. 30, the third rodeo performance will be held at 12:30 p.m., following the annual rodeo parade that makes its wait through the streets of St. Paul at 10 a.m.
The fourth performance will occur later Saturday night at 7 p.m.
The final performance rodeo performance will be held on Aug. 31 at 12:30 p.m.
Throughout the week, several events will also be held including the St. Paul Visual Art Centre’s Summer Pottery and Art Sale, Love Local Vendor’s Market, the Ag Social House, Smitty’s Family Fun Zone, as well as many food opportunities – from pancake breakfasts to beef-on-a-bun meals and barbecues.
