By Stephanie Stevens

It started out as a crazy but wonderful idea: Bull Bustin’ in the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, a fundraiser for the Columbia Valley Rockies hockey team. You could buy a ticket, settle in with a plate of beef and baked beans, watch the kiddies in mutton bustin’ and then on to the main event: bulls, cowboys, dust and adrenaline, all on the blue line.

It was a great idea… one that grew and grew until the arena just couldn’t hold it.

Flash forward 25 years and the event, now Bull Riding in the Rockies, is held in the lot across the street from The Eddie and draws upward of 2400 spectators… and it remains the team’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

“It is a huge part of our annual budget,” said Rockies president Brett Holt. “Northcott Rodeo Inc is booked and Cole Malone is coming back again for the dance after the bull riding.”

Professional rodeo clown Dennis Halstead is also booked for the July 18 event.

“We are in a really good place (as an organization) and we want to expand the event, keep it fresh,” said Holt. “Radium Brewing is coming up with a label design just for the event.”

The location is once again across from the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena thanks to longtime supporters Nina Reilly and Phillip Sommerville.

In addition to the main event, there will be a Rockies BBQ, 50-50 draw and beer garden.

Tickets are available exclusively on Showpass.com and includes the rodeo followed by a dance under the tent with headliner Cole Malone.

There is still a lot to get done before the bulls and cowboys arrive, but this year the added stress and expense of having to rebuild the bleachers is not one of them. There will be a painting party to freshen things up, and there will be a need volunteers to help prep for and run the day.

The call is also out for sponsors for cowboys, bulls and bleachers. If you want to get your name in the program or on the bleachers, reach out to Paige Holt at [email protected].

e-KNOW

Article Share