The popular Little Britches Rodeo Parade and Western Heritage Week is back up and afloat again thanks to the efforts of Allan Roberts.
After it dropped off the chart for two years, he says this year's events have a theme of Celebrating Our Western Heritage during the week of May 12-19.
The plan is to see Birch Avenue filled with visitors, residents and guests throughout Western Heritage Week to bring shoppers in to boost area business and bring lots of attention to the events.
Roberts encourages all businesses and organizations to get involved all week by dressing up the staff and storefronts with Western Heritage costumes and decor.
He says outlying communities, such as Lone Butte and Interlakes, are also encouraged to join in Western Heritage Week themes.
The festivities culminate in the western-themed parade and always-popular rodeos – all happening on the May Long Weekend (May 17-19).
Registration for parade entrants is well underway and application forms can be picked up at A&B Photo and 100 Mile Feed and Ranch.
Numerous entrants are already on board, including horses and riders, car clubs, 4-H Clubs, Canim Lake Band, local dignitaries and emergency responders.
Three entries for the Williams Lake Stampede Queen contest are also signed up, he adds.
"I am really happy with the amount of participants coming in."
Roberts says he is pleased to also have a team of magnificent Percheron draft horses that will pull a wagon in the parade.
The parade will have a special guest, as Sunrise Sam will be unveiled as the official mascot for the 100 Mile House Wranglers.
The parade starts at Save-On-Foods at 10 a.m. and proceeds south on Birch Avenue to Fifth Street and then doubles back along Cedar Avenue.
Entrants are welcome right up until the day before, but all are advised to check ahead with Roberts for the marshalling time, so everything is ready to go when the parade begins.
The Little Britches Rodeo Parade and Western Heritage Week are no longer a South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce initiative, but does have its full support and assistance, Roberts explains.
For more information on the Little Britches Rodeo Parade and Western Heritage Week, call Roberts at 250-395-3665 or e-mail aandbphotos@telus.net.
