The Irricana Humps and Horns Harvest Bullnanza is set for Aug. 7 at Founders Park, as the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA) will be bringing 30 of its best bullriders to the most intimate rodeo experience of the season.
The Bullnanza is sanctioned by the CPRA, and is a bull riding-only event that counts towards the rider’s season points, helping pave the way to the Canadian Rodeo Finals.
“With only 16 events left, you don’t have much time until the finals,” said CPRA Rodeo Administrator Jim Pippolo. “You need to be winning at these events. Right now, if you can win $4,000 at Irricana, and you are in 20th spot, you would move up to the top 10.”
Thirty competitors will ride once each, with the top six getting on again to determine a winner. With $10,000 worth of prize money on the line, the winner of the event takes home upwards of $3,600.
The event takes place in Founders Park in Irricana, and is one of the most exciting spectator events on the entire CPRA tour.
“You are on top of the action, it’s up close and personal,” said Pippolo. “It’s a small arena, there is not a bad seat in the house, it’s pretty electric.”
Pippolo added the event not only draws spectators from all over the county, but the Town of Irricana gets behind the event as well.
“It’s one of those event you don’t want to miss,” he said. “These small communities have that family atmosphere. Irricana is not a huge community, but people do come from far and wide to see this.”
With the standings as tight as they are, Pippolo is expecting great competition from some well known names. Tanner Gerlitz, Beau Hill, Tyler Thompson, Nathan Roy and Scott Schiffner are just a few of the cowboys who will take on the Outlaw Buckers and Franklin Rodeo stock.
“With any athlete, when the spotlight is shining on you, you play well,” Pippolo said. “They have everybody that is anybody that is riding bulls in the CPRA.”
The event starts at 7 p.m. with a dance to follow.
