The Marwayne PBR rode into town with a record crowd, more riders, and more prize money than ever.
This year’s event raised more than $50,000 for various arena projects.
Kelsey Volz, who organized the event with her husband, Justin Volz, said the idea started close to home.
“My husband Justin and I used to raise bucking bulls,” she said. “Justin and my brother-in-law, Denton Edge, also used to ride bulls. The idea of putting our own bull riding (event) on was easy.”
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The couple was already active with the arena board.
“We had children who used the arena, so that was the start,” she said.
The event began in 2012 and has grown each year. This year, 30 world-class riders came to compete for a $20,000 prize purse.
“We had more entries than we have had in years. They put on an amazing show for the crowd!” said Volz, noting there wasn’t an empty seat in the house.
“We had our best crowd yet this year, which continues to amaze us!” she said. “The crowd danced the night away to the Prairie Dogs.”
All funds raised support the Marwayne Community Centre and arena.
“These funds go directly to our operating expenses and renovation projects,” she said, noting the event helped fund a major update to the arena lobby in its first year and has continued to improve.
“In late fall 2024, we finished our new cement ice surface, new brine lines, boards, glass, and bleachers,” said Volz.
“Fall of 2025, our new ice plant is getting installed,” she added.
She said the work couldn’t happen without the PBR and other events, support from local and county partners and various levels of government.
The Marwayne PBR also heavily relies on its community to succeed.
“All of our arena members work volunteer shifts at the PBR,” said Volz. “That’s how we can make it such an amazing event and why we can continue to raise so much funds each year.”
She added local businesses are always eager to help when needed and safety is a top concern.
“We have a pick-up man on a horse, as well as three professional bullfighters to protect our riders,” said Volz. “We also have an ambulance on site in case anyone gets hurt.”
There are still ways to show support for those who can’t attend.
“A little community involvement or positive feedback goes a long way to energizing our board members,” said Volz.
Right now, the ag society is also running two major raffles.
“We have a $40,000 cash raffle as well as a side-by-side raffle going on right now,” said Volz. “Tickets can be purchased from any arena or ag society member!”
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