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(Image Credit: Westerner Park/Supplied)
Inaugural event

‘An incredible start’: Westerner Park excited for future of Red Deer Pro Rodeo

May 25, 2026 | 4:25 PM

Ticket sales for the Inaugural Red Deer Pro Rodeo surpassed initial expectations, according to Westerner Park.

Following the three-day event at the Centrium from Thursday through Saturday last week, organizers are reporting that there was a strong community demand for professional 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 event featured top-level competition from across Canada and the United States in all major rodeo disciplines including multiple standout performances.

This includes an incredible showing from Idaho barrel racer Meagan McLeod-Sprag, who won the ladies barrel racing title after a 13.99-second run.

As a result, the Red Deer Pro Rodeo awarded a total purse of $121,581 across multiple events.


(Image Credit: Westerner Park/Supplied)

Westerner Park said the 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. They also recognize the support of the City of Red Deer through the Community Culture Development Fund, and the Government of Alberta through the Community Initiatives Program.

“The momentum coming out of this weekend is exciting,” Flint added. “This was an incredible start, and planning is already underway for 2027. We cannot wait to build on what this community helped create.”

Red Deer Pro Rodeo results:

  • Bareback Riding: (tie)

o Clint Laye – 86 points on Vold Rodeo’s 500 Coconut Valley

o Dantan Bertsch – 86 points on Vold Rodeo’s 830 Miles Or More

o Orin Larsen – 86 points on Calgary Stampede’s E-18 Enuff Cherry

o 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