A brand new rodeo event in Abbotsford is hoping to take the sport to the extreme.
The Abbotsford Extreme Rodeo debuts at Exhibition Park on Sept. 15, and organizers are promising a unique and family-friendly event.
The Abbotsford event is a sanctioned stop on the Bull Riders Canada tour, which travels across the country from June to December.
Jamie Gilowski of Bigg Rigg Productions said he remembers the old Abbotsford Pro Rodeo (APR) and wants to bring back some of that magic.
“I chose to come to Abbotsford because back when I fought bulls I used to go down to the APR and I thought the crowd really liked it,” he said, adding that his company has promoted similar events in Armstrong, Summerland and Quesnel. “It was always a more family atmosphere, and that’s what we want to do – promote the sport at an extreme level but also cater to families.”
Gilowski said the Abbotsford event will feature 40 of Canada’s top bull riders in rodeo events, with many of the top names in the sport competing. Mexican Freestyle Bullfighting and Mexican Bull Poker will also occur at the event.
The freestyle bullfighting is not what people may have seen from Spain and there is no red cape involved. Three bullfighters and four bulls will enter the arena and the bullfighters’ goal is to be the last person standing.
“These guys are in a competition to try and stay as close to the bull and remain in control of their actions while these bulls chase them around the arena. It’s pretty unique, ” he said.
The bull poker features four individuals sitting at a table and the last one still sitting after a bull is released into the arena wins a prize. Gilowski said sheep riding is also planned for the event, with young kids getting a chance to ride the animals.
Approximately $6,000 will be up for grabs, and there will be food vendors and a beer garden.
Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. To buy tickets, call 250-308-5272. For more info on the event, visit facebook.com/events/269362487137246/.