CEREAL, Alta. – Rick Martine prepared his gear for an eight-second saddle bronc ride in the biggest little rodeo in Alberta.
Tomorrow the young cowboy from Nanton would be riding before the masses at the Calgary Stampede, the granddaddy of rodeos. But only 1,000 people passed through the turnstiles of the small rodeo grounds in the dusty town of 250 souls – even though the same competitors and stock will make today’s event just as competitive as tomorrow’s Stampede go-round.
Martine faced most of Canada’s top 10 bronc riders at the Cereal, Alta., professional rodeo, known locally as the Cerealions.
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“There’s a lot of pressure in Calgary, pushing and shoving for space. It’s a great rodeo but it gets real crowed back there … out here it’s relaxed. Same folks, but just laid back,” said Martine.
The Cereal rodeo is in its 18th year despite its timing during Stampede week. It is the Stampede that brings the top names in rodeo close enough that the three-hour drive east from Calgary appeals to riders and ropers who must usually travel thousands of kilometres between events.
“People seem to appreciate our rodeo. They can pull the motorhome up, get out the lawn chairs, open a beer and watch the show,” said Cerealions committee chair Darryl Bowles.
He said the low cost of admission, free parking and the relaxed small-town atmosphere make it a regular part of summer for many eastern Albertans and an excellent source of revenue for the local Lions club.
“It’s more personal than the Stampede. You can sit anywhere. It’s a family type of event,” said Howard Ferguson, a Hanna, Alta., farmer.
Albert Galarneau, a Youngstown, Alta., rancher, 1937 Calgary Stampede champion and a regular at Cerealions, has seen rodeo s change considerably over the years.
“When we did it, you tried to stay on just one more jump. You knew there were always those big rocks waiting for you on the ground. The landing’s a lot softer now. The young fellas can get off whenever they like,” he said.
“This rodeo’s got a lot of that old charm though.”
