The Endmoor Arena in Byemoor was packed Friday night for the 20th anniversary edition of the Byemoor Bull-a-rama.
Australian bull rider Kyle Loudon rode “Big Rigo” to an 85-point score to claim the 2014 championship. He was also awarded the championship jacket sponsored by The Byemoor Store.
The bulls supplied by Outlawbuckers Rodeo Corp. in many instances provided a challenge too great for many of the 32 contestants who entered. Many came great distances to compete in the Byemoor Bull-a-rama, billed as the longest-running bull-only riding event in Canada, only to bite the dust before the regulation eight-seconds.
International cowboys hailed from Paraguay, Brazil, Mexico, Ireland and Australia while the Canadian cowboys were from B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Aughtum Wilkie, a Grade 3 student from Big Valley School, won the “Name the Bull” contest with her entry of “Buckington.” She received a prize pack from Outlawbuckers Rodeo Corp.
The bull-a-rama is organized each year by the Sullivan Lake West Agricultural Society as a fundraiser for the local arena. The society recognized 15 sponsors of the event, who have been sponsors for the entire 20 years, with a plaque presentation during intermission. Agricultural society president Dwight Tucker made the presentations.
A mini-trade show had patrons checking out the wares of the convenors throughout the evening.
A special feature this year, with the bull-a-rama falling on the Easter weekend, was an Easter egg hunt for the children during intermission. One egg had a ticket in it for a bicycle sponsored by Jim and Gwen Keith of Byemoor and Lorri McLeod, Co-operators Insurance, Hanna. The lucky winner was Cole Schellenberg of Endiang.
Ken Gallagher of Endiang won the cowboy boots sponsored by Boulet and Tom’s Boot of Stettler, while Terri Mappin, Byemoor was the lucky recipient of the 50/50 draw.
A dance wrapped up the evening activities for the 20th annual Byemoor Bull-a-rama.