Ram Rodeo Tour brings top riders across North America to northern Ontario

Competitors take part in the inaugural Timmins RAM Rodeo at a temporary arena built on a former snow dump along Highway 655 in Timmins, Ont. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontairo)

For the first time in more than 25 years, a rodeo has returned to Timmins, Ont., as the inaugural Timmins RAM Rodeo brings riders from across Ontario, Quebec and the northeastern United States to the city.

The event is taking place along Highway 655 at a site that organizers say was transformed from a snow dump into a full rodeo arena.

More than 130 competitors have registered for the two-day competition, which is running alongside Rotary Ribfest.

Organizers say Timmins was a natural fit for the event.

“We figured that Timmins would be a great hub,” said Dan Brunet, local organizer of Timmins RAM Rodeo.

“We don’t have too much of this here in Timmins and we can draw from all the surrounding communities in the northern corridor.”

The rodeo is part of the RAM Rodeo Tour, a competitive circuit that serves as a stepping stone toward championship events.

“The money from here goes towards the Eastern Canadian Championships, and then we do the Toronto Royal Invitational Rodeo,” said Ross Miller, producer of RAM Rodeo.

“If they’re in the top four from that, they make it there, so they’re following this pretty close.”

Among those travelling north is 14-year-old barrel racer Sierra Walker of Arthur, Ont., who said the long trip was worth it for the experience and competition.

“It’s a very long drive up here from where I live, but I’m excited,” said Walker.

“I’ve never been up this far, and I wanted to see what it was like up here.”

Walker told CTV News that each stop on the circuit matters as she works toward qualifying for the finals.

“I’m really determined to make it to finals this year, so going to this was important for sure,” said Walker.

Local economic development officials say the rodeo is already delivering a boost to tourism, warranting the $60,000 in Municipal Accommodation Tax funding support.

“This will really put us on the map in a very different way,” said Noella Rinaldo, the director of Community Economic Development at for the City of Timmins.

“This is where you’re going to come to see a great rodeo happen.”

Saturday night’s performance was sold out before CTV’s interviews on Friday and organizers said they hope the rodeo will return next year.

“This is where we needed to be for this year and it’s a great location,” said Brunet.

“Very dry grounds, good footing (for our athletes).”

The Timmins Rodeo offers the most prize money on the RAM Rodeo Tour – a key reason organizers said riders made the trip north.