(Submitted/Ripley Ford)

By Cam Lee

Ripley Rumble

‘The Ripley Rumble’ set to introduce PBR Canada pro bull riding to Melfort

Apr 24, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Professional bull riding is coming to Melfort.

Ripley Ford has announced they will hold the inaugural “Ripley Rumble” on Saturday, May 31.

The event will be held in the lot directly south of Ripley Ford on Sask. Dr. S.

Owner Mark Ripley told northeastNOW that after first purchasing the dealership in Melfort he thought that bringing the PBR to Melfort would be a good idea. Some time passed and other priorities took precedence, but Ripley said the idea never went away. He had some ties to PBR Canada, and he thought it would be a great idea to bring to the community.

“It’s a great time of year, it’s cowboy country, and we thought maybe we could have some fun and raise some money for the community at the same time,” explained Ripley.

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He said they have had a lot of people step forward that are willing to help through donations of time or materials. The owner of the lot where the bull riding will take place donated it for the event, and Ripley said the City of Melfort has also donated some bleachers and other odds and ends. Noted philanthropist Malcolm Jenkins has also announced that he will match the first $25,000 raised.

“We just want to have success, and any proceeds we make with the event, we’re going to…split it up between three organizations,” said Ripley. Those organizations are the Melfort Fire Department, the North Central Health Care Foundation, and Youth Matter Canada.

There was a bit of a cost bringing the event to Melfort, but Ripley said they hope with sponsorships and money raised from tickets they will be able to bring in some solid revenue for the three organizations. A few organizations have expressed interest in hosting the barbecue and bar and proceeds from that will also be donated.

“Really, it’s all about the community,” Ripley explained.

He said Canadian Touring Pro Division of PBR Canada will bring the best professional bull riders from across Canada and the United States to the Melfort stop, and Ripley and his team have been out trying to secure sponsors for the event.

Tickets will go on sale next week, and Ripley Ford will keep the public updated on how they can be purchased. Ripley said there will be about 600 to 700 tickets for sale, and he expects to sell out pretty quickly due to the limited seating. He hopes to make the event an annual stop for PBR Canada.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com