Lacombe Pro Bull Riding is back in action this month on the Lacombe Ag Grounds.
The highly-anticipated PBR-sanctioned event runs on July 29, said Colleen Shippelt, president of the committee.
Gates open at 5 p.m. with the bull riding kicking off at 7 p.m. and the family-friendly cabaret featuring Kixxsin and Cole Malone wrapping up the night.
As to the overall event, Shippelt said organizers are excited that it’s not on the August long weekend this year.
It can prove to be a pretty hectic weekend across the region, plus lots of people tend to leave town as well, she said, adding that proceeds from the event will go to support the Lacombe and District Agricultural Society.
According to the organization’s website, Lacombe Pro Bull Riding aims to give people an immersive experience in the world of bull riding.
“By coming to the event you will be subjected to the show of a lifetime, which will leave you on the edge of your seat with anticipation/excitement. Don’t miss the event everyone will be talking about.”
The first event took place in 2019 in the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex.
The pandemic forced the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021, but it came back in a big way last year on the Ag grounds.
Of course, pulling off a major event like this means working together, and Shippelt - who launched the event and is the driving force behind it with her family - wanted to extend a big thanks to all the community sponsors and dedicated volunteers.
In the meantime, the feedback she hears each time the event is held is always encouraging.
“People say they are so glad that we are doing this; that it’s so much fun and they really enjoy it,” she said.
“The first year that we had it, we sold out,” she said, adding that about 1,000 people attended that inaugural year. Shippelt, a Lacombe native, has always loved rodeo. Eventually, she and her husband invested in rodeo stock and ultimately decided to plan and launch the bull riding event here in Lacombe.
“I thought, we could do this as a fundraiser and give back to the community,” she explained.
“The whole point is to have a family-friendly, western event that hasn’t been here for so many years. We are proud to bring it back and to be able to give back to the community.
“It’s an exciting event,” she said, adding that the caliber of the riders that take part is outstanding.
“It’s the top bull riders and the stock - it’s exciting. Just seeing the familiar faces out there, and people supporting a dream of mine. I get goosebumps when the anthem starts and I look around and see all the people in the stands!”
She noted that the Ag Society looks after organizing a volunteer team for the event, but there is always room for more folks to help out if they would like to.
“I think the major thing going forward in the years to come is that we hope to grow our committee and have more people help plan it and help with gathering sponsorship,” she said.
Tickets can be purchased at Pro Liquor Lacombe & Lacombe Co-operators Insurance. They can also be bought online at https://www.lacombeprobullriding.com/tickets
For more about Lacombe Pro Bull Riding or how to help out, check out www.lacombeprobullriding.com.