The rodeo is set to bring some extreme entertainment to the Lakeland region.
The Lakeland Xtreme Broncs and Bulls will be hitting the Cold Lake Energy Centre on May 9 and 10.
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A delegation seeking sponsorships was presented to Bonnyville council at the April 8 meeting.
Katrina Reid and Shawn Metchewais were presenting on behalf of the event.
Metchewais says this event has been in the works for a while.
“This has been in the works for 16 to 18 months,” he said.
While they may be a for-profit entity, they were working with non-profits on the event. However, they were unable to come to terms in time as deadlines for the event were looming.
Reid, however, pointed out they’ve continued to work with non-profits.
“We’re also bringing non-profit, a bunch of non-profits come in and get paid to work the event,” she said. “So, non-profit organizations are going to make money off our event.”
She says they hope to bring on five or six non-profit groups from both Bonnyville and Cold Lake.
The event spans over two days with Friday featuring bull riding.
“The Friday we’re having a sanctioned (event) by Bull Riders Canada, which is just a step below the PBR,” said Metchewais. “Due to an event in Brooks, Alta. on Friday, we weren’t able to secure them (PBR).
As they work to secure more money for the prize, Saturday will feature a different style of riding.
“On Saturday, we’re having a saddle bronc riding-only event,” he said, noting there’ll be a big draw for the event.
“We’ve contacted all of the big names in Canada and it’s the biggest event going on in North America on that weekend, so we’re hoping some of the Americans will come up and stiffen the competition and really jam this event up,” he said.
The entire event will be broadcast live.
“We’re looking at a pretty good event that’s going to be broadcast on the Cowboy Channel on the Saturday night,” said Metchewais.
Their goal is to put on a big event for the region.
“I’m not looking to make any money from this, I just simply think we have the potential to have a very big event,” he said.
Bucking stock for the event will largely be coming from outside the area.
“Like any good event you have to bring, the quality comes from outside,” said Metchewais.
Coun. Byron Johnson commended the organizers for making the event happen.
“I think it’s a neat event, I hear a lot about it, you see it on T.V. quite a bit … good on you for bringing that in,” he said.
The event is set to happen regardless of council buy-in.
“The event’s happening, we’re already 80 per cent done,” said Reid.
If council decides to award a sponsorship to the event, there is only one regular council meeting on April 22 prior to the event happening.
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