The 32nd annual Interlakes Rodeo is returning to the Interlakes at the beginning of August.
The British Columbia Rodeo Association-sanctioned rodeo is being organized by the Interlakes Hall and Roe Lake Rec Association set to take place on Saturday, Aug. 3 and Sunday, Aug. 4. beginning at 1 p.m. both days. The rodeo takes place at the Roe Lake Rodeo Grounds, located near the Interlakes Community Centre. The rodeo has been held since 1990.
Pat Lytton is the local entry secretary with the Interlakes Rodeo and encourages the public to come out to the Interlakes Rodeo.
"I think it's a lot of fun - there's a good concession and food there for people and, of course, there's the beer garden that people like to sit in," Lytton said.
Lytton says that rodeo riders have come from all over British Columbia for the event: such as Clinton, BC, Kamloops and Princeton. However, others have come from places such as Prince George, Alberta and even some from the United States.
The rodeo lasts for four hours each day and will include bareback riding, barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling and bull riding. The event gives local cowboys and cowgirls a chance to hone their talents and compete alongside BCRA competitors.
Tickets go for $20 per day for adults and $15 per day for seniors and kids. The event promises a Canadian wild horse race, a wild pony race, as well as mini bull riding and a mini saddle bronc. Historically, around 1,200 people typically attend the rodeo.
In addition to the rodeo, there will be a dance Saturday at the Interlakes Hall between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. with One in the Chamber providing live music. Tickets to get into the dance are around $20 for adults, and $10 for kids - and can be paid by cash or by e-transfer to interlakesrodeo@outlook.com.
Also, there will be the option to purchase raffle tickets - whose winner will be drawn at the BCRA 2024 Polaris Championship Finals at Barriere in conjunction with the North Thompson Fall Fair.
The entire event is being sponsored by the Interlakes Community Centre Society.
Lytton notes that she helps organize the rodeo because she enjoy showcasing something of Western heritage that is being "lost" in other parts of the country.
"So we feel, you know, felt like we like to do this - it's all volunteers, no one's paid - except the cowboys if they come and compete," Lytton said. "So yeah, we just do it."
