Friesen is no stranger to rodeo as she competed in high school rodeo and beyond for many years. She knows what it takes to host a rodeo and is proud of the committee that put in a lot of work in three short months to make the event happen.

“We are very thankful we have a full year to plan the next one.”

The first year or so of hosting any event is a time to work out the kinks. Friesen says the committee has a running list of things they want to try differently.

“For not knowing what exactly we were doing, I think things ran pretty smoothly. We are hoping to add more kids activities next year,” she added.

Most of those in attendance came from Waskada, Melita, Deloraine and Hartney.

A special feature was having a local rider competing. Jett Lockie ended up having a great ride and placed. There were a handful of cowboys either from or originally from Manitoba that also rode.

The overall goal with the Bulls on the Border was simply to get the ball rolling in hosting a full rodeo and bull riding in the future, possibly some barrel racing and other events. The proceeds in the short term will be put toward improving the facilities that the Municipality of Brenda-Waskada have allowed the committee to use, including investing in more panels/bleachers/a stage, etc.

“Most of our goals stem from losing all our other local rodeos over the years, for example in Pierson and Melita. It’s nice to have something different happen in our little community that can also bring in other communities.”

“Eventually, our board would like to be able to give back to the community and surrounding areas with our proceeds,” said Friesen.

The board includes Cliff Friesen as President, McKenzie Friesen, Jayden Spence, Kenny Bugg, Justin Adams, Grace Grant, Colin Adams, Hailey Tonn, Scott Lockie, Curtis McMillan, Carson Spence and Tom Bennie.

by JUDY WELLS, Recorder staff