This year, Cochrane Classic Bullriding organizer Jason Borton will once again be running bulls through the chutes at Cochrane Lions Rodeo Park.
The park will play host to the 11th annual rodeo event, which is slated to run July 27. This is the second year the bullriding has come to the rodeo grounds, run in conjunction with Cochrane SummerFest.
“The move was such a good fit for everybody,” said Borton, a former bullrider. “By coupling with SummerFest, the event saw a lot more families and young kids coming out to see the action.”
And the action this year won’t disappoint. Borton has wrangled some rank bulls and a strong list of about 30 professional bullriders for the contest. The pros will battle it out for the top eight-second score, each hoping to walk away with the winner’s share of the prize money. Last year, Borton said the winner pocketed a cool $5,000.
“All of these riders are known, especially in this part of the world,” said Borton, mentioning names like Steve and Jody Turner, and Tyler Thomson. “These are all great bullriders — they always try their hardest.”
The great seating at the venue, the athletes, the big screens and the beer gardens all create a fun atmosphere for attendees of all ages. Running in conjunction with SummerFest, event-goers will not only be privy to top-class bullriding, but also to a whole range of activities, such as ranch roping with the hands from WineGlass Ranch, pony rides and the medieval flair of Knight Haven.
Adding to the event’s talent pool is the Bow River Band, who will take the stage during the dance portion of the evening, following the bullriding competition.
Cochrane Classic Bullriding gets started at 7 p.m. and is expected to wrap up at 9 p.m.
The cabaret gets underway at about 9 p.m. and runs until the early morning hours.
