Community support, elite competition, and a packed weekend prove rodeo is thriving in Central Alberta
RED DEER, AB – May 25, 2026: The dust has not settled following the inaugural Red Deer Pro Rodeo, as fans filled Westerner Park May 21-23 for three days of elite rodeo action, live entertainment, and community celebration.
Competitors from across Canada and the United States travelled to Red Deer to compete in the first-ever Red Deer Pro Rodeo, helping deliver a high-energy weekend that exceeded expectations and confirmed what many already believed – rodeo belongs here.
Ticket sales surpassed initial expectations for the inaugural event, reinforcing strong community demand for premier rodeo in Central Alberta.
“This weekend showed the strength of this community and the passion Central Alberta has for rodeo,” said Shelly Flint, CEO of Westerner Park. “From the fans in the stands to the sponsors, athletes, volunteers, and partners who helped bring this event to life, the support was incredible. Red Deer showed up in a big way.”
The inaugural event featured top-level competition across all major rodeo disciplines, including standout performances from Idaho barrel racer Meagan McLeod-Sprag, who captured the Ladies Barrel Racing title with a blazing 13.99-second run aboard Fame Fling N Bling.
Throughout the weekend, the excitement continued long after the final ride each night. The nightly Cabaret kept the party going and added to the high-energy atmosphere.
The Red Deer Pro Rodeo awarded a total purse of $121,581 and featured elite rodeo athletes competing for championship titles across multiple disciplines.
The Red Deer Pro Rodeo was made possible through the support of the community and an exceptional group of founding sponsors, including John and Heather Donald, Joan Donald, and Kathy and Peter Lacey, who believed in the vision early and helped bring the inaugural event to life.
Westerner Park also recognizes the support of the City of Red Deer through the Community Culture Development Fund, and the Government of Alberta through the Community Initiatives Program.
Westerner Park also recognizes the event’s Diamond Sponsors:
- Kipp Scott GMC Buick
- Wei’s Western Wear
- Travel Alberta
As well as Platinum Sponsors:
- Bettenson’s Sand & Gravel
- Marshall Construction
- ING & McKee
- Tourism Red Deer
- DaveX Construction
“The momentum coming out of this weekend is exciting,” said Flint. “This was an incredible start, and planning is already underway for 2027. We cannot wait to build on what this community helped create.”
The Red Deer Pro Rodeo was sanctioned by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and featured athletes, stock contractors, and rodeo personnel from across North America.
Fans are encouraged to follow @rdprorodeo on social media for future announcements, highlights, and upcoming event information.
Performance Leaders
- Bareback Riding: (tie)
- Clint Laye – 86 points on Vold Rodeo’s 500 Coconut Valley
- Dantan Bertsch – 86 points on Vold Rodeo’s 830 Miles Or More
- Orin Larsen – 86 points on Calgary Stampede’s E-18 Enuff Cherry
- Jacob Lees – 86 points on R 633 Broken Arrow
- Steer Wrestling: Tate Beierbach – 3.9 seconds
- Team Roping: Kash Bonnett / Logan Cullen – 4.0 seconds
- Saddle Bronc Riding: Quinten Taylor – 87.5 points on Calgary Stampede’s B-7 Birch Bubbles
- Tie-Down Roping: Shane Hanchey – 8.3 seconds
- Ladies Barrel Racing: Meagan McLeod-Sprag – 13.99 seconds aboard Fame Fling N Bling
- Bull Riding: Jhett Wheeler – 85.5 points on Outlaw Buckers 162 Bad Intentions,
- Breakaway Roping: (tie) Tori Brower and Lilly Artemenko – 2.3 seconds
- Novice Bareback: Quaide Skjonsberg – 72 points
- Novice Saddle Bronc: Kacen Nowicki – 77 points
- Junior Steer Riding: Nixon Kappel – 75.5 points
Huge thank you to the Red Deer Pro Rodeo Personnel
- Stock Contractor: Vold Rodeo
- Sub-Contractors: Calgary Stampede, Outlaw Buckers, Big O Rodeo
- Steer Riding Cattle: Lazy 2 Rodeo
- Timed Event Stock Contractor: Lazy B Timed Event
- Secretary: Catherine Laycraft
- Announcer: Brett Gardiner
- Timers: Amber Datema, Debra Northcott
- Judges: Perry Gurski, Larry Adams, Jim Turner
- Pick-Up Men: Tyler Thomson, Stran Schlosser, Tyler Kraft
- Bullfighters: Kris Buffalo, Austin Meston
- Flankmen: Nansen Vold, Jonathan Kmita, Orin Wade, Justin Veno
- Photographers: Billie-Jean Duff, Covy Moore
- Specialty Acts: Shelby Pierson, Bella DaCosta
- Music Director: Shaun Morton
- Video/Replay Screen: Feature Productions
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Media Contact
Marla Lowe
587.679.2494
mlowe@westernerpark.ca
