St. Paul – Rodeo Week is getting closer, and St. Paul council will have more on its plate than simply showing up for the festivities.

Council dealt with several rodeo-related items Monday night, including the Chamber’s Rodeo Kick-Off Party and the annual rodeo cleanup fundraiser.

Then came the chili.

Council heading to the kick-off

Council approved purchasing up to 8 tickets for the St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce Rodeo Kick-Off Party, to be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the Recreation Centre.

The evening will include supper and live entertainment as the community heads into celebrations surrounding the LRA Finals.

A table of eight carries a Chamber member price of $500.

Army Cadets get the cleanup job

Council also selected the 2395 Royal Canadian Army Cadets as the Town’s organization for the 2026 LRA Rodeo cleanup fundraiser.

The Town and County each select a non-profit organization, with the two groups working together to clean up following rodeo performances. Each receives $1,500.

The Town received two applications this year from the St. Paul Girl Guides and the Army Cadets.

Councillor David Fodness made the successful motion.

“I move to approve the Army Cadets for the rodeo cleanup for 2026,” Fodness said.

The motion carried.

The Cadets’ parent committee said the money will support programming, equipment and opportunities for youth participating in the free program. The St. Paul corps includes youth aged 12 to 18 from communities throughout the region.

And then there’s the chili

Council also agreed to participate in the Cornerstone Co-op Chili Cook-Off on Sept. 3, adding a little municipal competition to Rodeo Week.

And council members won’t simply be lending their names to the pot.

Administration made it clear during the meeting that councillors themselves would be responsible for cooking their entry.

The friendly competition adds another piece to a week that will already have Town staff, council and community organizations busy across St. Paul.

With a kick-off party, rodeo cleanup and a chili title on the line, council’s Rodeo Week calendar is officially filling up.