The bulls were bucking to the roar of the crowd at the North Battleford Rodeo over the weekend. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Broncs, Bulls and Boots

Saturday night sellout headlines memorable 50th year for North Battleford Rodeo

May 2, 2022 | 2:52 PM

The stands were packed and the cheering loud at the Access Communications Centre over the weekend for the 50^th North Battleford Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo.

Close to 6,000 people attended the event over the three days, April 29 to May 1, with longtime committee member, Heath Gabruch, calling it one to remember.

“We had terrific support this weekend, the crowds were fantastic and some of the best I’ve seen in years,” Gabruch said. “Obviously it was a combination of a lot of things, and we’d like to hope the performances themselves, with the bull fighting event and some of those additions that we put in this year, added to an unbelievable crowd.”

Saturday night saw the event reach maximum capacity for Kids’ Night, filling every seat in the house, and standing room as well, with parking extended well outside the rink lot and onto the nearby streets.

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Gabruch said while they ultimately did have to cut off entry Saturday once they reached capacity, they were happy to welcome back those still with kids’ tickets to use, Sunday.

“We wanted to make sure everyone was able to use those tickets and see the performances, and we had another great night Sunday,” Gabruch said. “So overall the attendance was spectacular and we’re really happy with the whole event which went really, really well.”

Among the new additions to the event catalog this year, he said the bull fighting especially stood out as a highlight and crowd favorite.

Travis James is the owner of Gringo Fighting Bulls, based out of Edson, Alta. He said they were happy to make the trip and be a part of the weekend.

“I thought it went really well and each of the bulls we used and each of the guys we brought out really performed at a pretty elite level,” James said. “The crowd was great and you can’t ask for much more than that.”

Calf roping in action during the North Battleford Rodeo. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

For Big River’s Lonnie Dunn, competing in this year’s Novice Saddle Bronc event in the Battlefords marked just the beginning of his rodeo career with a weekend he won’t soon forget.

“This is my first year of riding CCA Rodeos, and I just started last summer,” Dunn said with a smile. “I high school rodeoed this fall and rode all winter, and it feels good to be here after putting in a lot of effort.”

Dunn scored 59 points to win his round Friday night.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1