Randy Brodoway doesn’t sugar-coat it: “It sucks.”
The president of the South Cariboo Rodeo Club (SCRC) is referring to attracting sponsors ahead of the upcoming, inaugural bull-riding event at the South Cariboo Community Fall Fair in 100 Mile House, Sept. 7-8.
“We’re getting no support. We have a couple businesses in town who believe in us, but the community is not standing behind it.”
With $20,000 in prize money up for grabs and the top 20 riders in the British Columbia Professional Bull Riders Association looking to claim it, Brodoway is eager to line up more sponsors for the event, which is expected to draw a good number of people to the area.
“People don’t realize what it’s bringing to this community and what can arise from it. [Businesses] all want it, but they don’t want to pay to have it here. They want the business, but they don’t want to support it.”
The two-day event at the 100 Mile & District Outriders Club arena will feature 40 bull rides each day. The bulls will be stocked by Diamond D Rodeo Bulls out of 100 Mile House and C-Plus Rodeos from 150 Mile House.
General admission is $15, $10 for students and $5 for seniors and children, and the wristbands can be purchased at the gate going into the parking lot. The bull-riding wristbands also include admission to the fall fair.
Brodoway says he’s surprised by the response the Rodeo Club has received.
“We’re showing something to the community they’ve never seen before. When you think about how many people go down to Armstrong and to the Coast, who go down to watch bull riding – they pay $25 a piece. You’re getting cheap entertainment at $15 – and that gets you into the fair.”
The halftime show for the event is yet to be confirmed.
Brodoway says there’s still some time for sponsors and volunteers to come forward. But as of now, the future of competitive bull riding in 100 Mile House is uncertain.
“I want to thank the people that have stepped up and are supporting us. It’s appreciated.
“We hope to see everybody out there.”
