Sports

'Good to be back' in saddle at Calgary Stampede for rodeo stars

Todd Saelhof
Jul 09, 2021 • 9 hours ago • 3 minute read



Dakota Buttar of Kindersley, SK,hangs on tight for an 90 on a bull named Timber Jam during the bull-riding event at the Calgary Stampede rodeo on Friday, July 9, 2021. Al Charest / Postmedia Al Charest/Postmedia

{snip}

The energy of rodeo’s return to Stampede Park began with O Canada — with a representative from each event taking to the infield to help sing the anthem loud — followed by a fly-by of a pair of Canadian Armed Forces fighter jets, CF-18 Hornets. ... It was familiar stuff.

But then came a twist from years previous, as the barrel races rolled out the welcome mat, leading off for the first time in Stampede history. ... With that, the 2021 Stampede Rodeo finally arrived, with the usual cast of contestants, pickup riders, rodeo announcers, bullfighters and entertainers leaving their mark on the infield. ... Despite a few nuances, it looked — and felt — like old times at the Grandstand.

{snip}

But the world-renowned rodeo opened to much fanfare Friday. ... “I think it’s a huge success coming back,” said local barrel racer Toni Dixon. “I think COVID really changed our world, and I think we need something positive in our world. To have the Stampede start this and go through with it with all the COVID protocols in place is fantastic. ... “It’s the best thing that we can have in Alberta right now — and actually in Canada.”

For many Albertans and Canadians, the first day couldn’t come quick enough, especially with the ongoing coronavirus cloud threatening to shut down the Stampede for a second straight year. ... “I didn’t think it was going to go,” {bull riding talent Dakota Buttar, of Kindersley, Sask.} admitted. “But it’s pretty awesome that they made it happen.”

With — still — such a solid payday, the rodeo contestants themselves are certainly happy it’s happening. ... But it wouldn’t be the same without the fans. ... “Both the money and the support are pretty special — it’s been a long wait to finally get going in front of fans again, so that’s pretty cool,” continued Buttar, who took home top day-money of $5,500 for winning Day 1 of the Stampede bull riding. “Getting the bull rode and getting the win, that’s a bonus.”

Milan, too, broke through on the first day to win his bulldoggin’ event. ... “It’s awesome to get it going like that on Day 1,” {Tanner Milan, a steer wrestling star from Cochrane} added. “One of my favourite rodeos — always has been — since growing up. ... “Good to be back.”

tsaelhof@postmedia.com

http://www.twitter.com/ToddSaelhofPM