The Halkirk Rodeo grounds had a huge turnout of 800 people who had come to watch bull riding and saddle bronc on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 13 and were not disappointed as both the saddle bronc and bull riding events were packed with some great riding.
Richard Haustein of Wainwright, originally an Aussie saddle bronc rider was crowned the saddle bronc champion, although Kole Ashbacher of Arrowwood and made it to the long-go.
Dan Gard of Albury, Australia was crowned the bull-riding champion, and led the long-go round as well.
“We would not be able to host the event without our volunteers,” said Dennis Cordel, chairperson of the Halkirk Bullarama committee and Halkirk Elks member who was also the Past Exalted Ruler. “We had 20 volunteers approximately and all of them worked as a team and did a great job.”
The rodeo grounds were teeming with people, both young and old alike as they took in all the action.
On site was a beer garden which was crowded too, with people enjoying the action from benches within the enclosure.
There were bleachers all around the grounds for attendees to get a great view of the rodeo, which had 24 bull riders and 18 saddle bronc participating, an increase from the previous chapters of bullarama.
In addition to the main spectacle were other side events, which included mutton busting, wild pony races, mini broncs and kids’ boot races.
Besides these were entertainment provided by Wild Hearted Trick Riders and Ladies of the Heartland performing a Canadian Tribute.