Although the Airdrie Pro Rodeo was over two months ago, the rodeo grounds were still busy last weekend with the inaugural Bikes and Bulls fundraising event.
Hosted by the Airdrie Oilmen’s Association, Bikes and Bulls featured a full Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) bull-riding event, as well as a bike burnout and show and shine.
Ian Cameron, co-president of the Airdrie Oilmen’s Association, said the show didn’t attract quite as many people as he’d hoped, but that it was still a success.
“Word got around and the response has been really good,” he said. “We’re at about 300 people right now, but we’ve got the capacity to hold up to 2,000. We were expecting a few more people, but the night is not over yet, so we’re hoping the bands should attract some more.”
Ponoka’s Tyler Pankewitz won the CPRA bull-riding event with a two-round score of 164. He earned 82.5 on his first ride, 81.5 on his second, and was the only contestant to earn a score in the top six final round. Thirty riders competed.
“The bull riding has been fantastic,” Cameron said. “I’ve never been this close to that before; I just took 700 photos and I’m going to put them on the website to promote the event for next year.”
Proceeds from Bikes and Bulls went to a variety of organizations, including STARS Air Ambulance, Airdrie Community Links, the Airdrie Food Bank, the Central Alberta Humane Society and the Airdrie and District Victim Assistance Society.
“This year might be close to only breaking even, so we might not be able to contribute as much, but the associations and committees are behind us in understanding it’s a first year event,” Cameron said. “Everyone I’ve talked to has been pumped about it. We know it’s in its fledgling state and we’re just trying to get it off the ground. So far it’s gone awesome.”
Cameron, who started the Oilmen’s Association eight years ago, said that there were 25 bikes in the show and shine and the burnout competition, but he expected that number to grow next year.
“We’re totally thrilled with the enthusiasm, so we’re definitely going to carry it on,” he said.
“We’re going to modify some of the things we came up with this year to improve it next year, as far as logistics. But I know it will grow and there are guys that have said ‘I’m bringing 25 of my friends here next year because this is awesome.’”
