Kindersley is gearing up for an even bigger bull-riding spectacle this fall, as the Energy Dodge Dakota Buttar Invitational returns with exciting changes.
Organizers have announced the event will expand to a two-night weekend showdown on September 5 and 6, making it the richest single PBR Touring event in Canada.
“The big leagues are coming to Kindersley,” said event organizer Pete Gebraad, who, along with PBR star Dakota Buttar, shared the news in a recent interview. “We’ve bumped up the purse significantly, which will help us draw some of the biggest stars in our sport.”
Not only will the weekend feature top bull riders from across the country, but it will also shine a spotlight on Canada’s most talented junior steer riders. The Friday night lineup includes promising young athletes—many from west central itself—giving them a chance to ride on the big stage.
“For the longest time, I was kind of the only one in the area into bull riding,” said Buttar, who hails from nearby Eatonia. “But now, any direction from Kindersley, there’s a couple of kids into it. It’s exciting to see it expanding like that.”
The decision to expand the event reflects the overwhelming community support from last year’s inaugural Invitational. “An event like this doesn’t typically happen in a town of 5,000 people,” Pete explained. “Last year, Kindersley showed us something magical—ticket sales were strong, and corporate support was off the charts.”
The announcement comes on the heels of a big win for Buttar, who claimed first place at the PBR Canada Cup Series event in Red Deer, catapulting him to the number-one ranking in the country. “I’m super pumped,” said Buttar. “It hasn’t gone that way for quite a long time, so I’m happy it is. I just hope I can keep it up.”
As Kindersley prepares to welcome back some of the biggest names in bull riding, the community is set for a weekend of adrenaline, celebration, and hometown pride. With its expanded format and richer purse, the second annual Dakota Buttar Invitational promises to be an event the town won’t soon forget.
Tickets and more information will be available soon.