Winkler is set to embrace its country roots as Smitty’s Lounge gears up for a high-energy Country Night this Saturday. With country tunes, themed drinks, and the highlight of the night—a mechanical bull—this event promises excitement for all.
A new spin on Winkler’s nightlife
Angelina Fehr, owner of Smitty’s Lounge in Winkler shares the inspiration behind the event, which started as an idea from Aiden Friesen.
“He had this idea a couple of months back,” says Fehr. “So we thought, you know what, it would be a great idea to give him a launch and do a pop-up club night and let the community know that he's got it.”
Meet the man behind the mechanical bull
Running the mechanical bull is Aiden Friesen, owner of Airborne Amusements, a business he started last year.
“I've been very involved with festivals throughout the years, and it's something that I wanted to get more involved in,” says Friesen. “This is a way I feel I can contribute.”
His history with festival rides goes back to his childhood, when he drew the attention of the Wonder Shows midway owners with a video of their annual set-up at Winkler's Harvest Festival.
“A number of years ago, I think I was in Grade 6 or something, I dragged my poor grandmother up on top of the hill at the Harvest Festival,” he shares. “I filmed a video my dad put on Facebook, then the radio caught attention of it and did an interview with me. Since then, they kind of just know me as the crazy guy from Winkler.”
How to ride like a pro
For those daring enough to take on the mechanical bull, Friesen offers some expert advice.
“Try and get your center of gravity as low as possible,” he explains. “The taller you are, the worse off you are.”
Fehr, who has already taken the ride, had one more tip for riders:
“Just hold on and try not to laugh,” she says. “If you laugh, you will [fall off]!”
Food, drinks, and event details
Guests can look forward to exclusive drink specials to go along with the country-themed atmosphere.
The event kicks off at 8:00 PM on Saturday and runs until 2:00 AM, with a $10 cover charge at the door.
Friesen, who will also be running his bull at local fairs and festivals this summer, believes the experience is a must-try.
“Absolutely, it should be a rite of passage for a country radio host to be able to ride an electric bull,” he jokes.
