Eatonia congratulates Dakota Buttar with surprise celebration

By Annie Duncan

The town of Eatonia surprised 2022 Calgary Stampede Bull Riding Champion Dakota Buttar with a celebratory welcome home gathering at the Eatonia Community Hall on Monday, July 25.

Locals Sarah and Dave Becker, Brennan Sommerville, Kristen and Kevin Quinney, Susan Theaker and Kim Becker planned a gathering to celebrate not only Buttar’s win at the Calgary Stampede but also all his accomplishments leading up to this moment to show him how proud his community is of him.

Buttar and his competitor Shane Proctor tied the event with matching 88.5-point rides, deeming them co-champions, sharing the title, and splitting the winnings between them.

“Shane is a guy I have looked up to for a long time; I have a lot of respect for that guy. If I had to pick someone to share it with, it would be Shane,” said Buttar.

Friends, family, and fans gathered at the Eatonia community hall Monday night, the room buzzing with excitement to see Buttar. When he arrived, shocked, he was brought up on stage to be asked questions about his experience. The crowd watched reruns of Buttar’s rides and spent the night celebrating and congratulating Buttar on his victory.

“I know when I am gone, things are safe at home. I wouldn’t be able to do this without everyone here,” said Buttar.

Buttar is at home, for now, resting from his recent competition and preparing for his upcoming events.

PHOTOS BY ANNIE DUNCAN

Locals in Eatonia gathered at the Eatonia Community Centre to surprise Dakota Buttar in celebration of his recent win at the Calgary Stampede.

Dakota Buttar is welcomed by hundreds of family, friends, and fans at the Eatonia Community centre in a surprise celebration of all he has accomplished as a bull rider.