Williams Lake’s Indoor Spring Class Rodeo taking place Easter weekend promises to be jam-packed with action.
“We have more rough stock guys than last year,” said Roy Call, one of the main organizers.
“We have seven bareback riders and are expecting 15 bull riders each day. The bronc riding and steer riding are good too. Our entries are increased over last year.”
As in previous years, truckloads of dirt will be hauled in to transform Rink One into a rodeo venue at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.
Ladies barrel racing entries for the qualifier Thursday night, April 17, are up as well, with about 80 in total, Call said.
“The qualifier allows us to pick the top 20 for the actual rodeo performances through the weekend.”
Admission is free on Thursday night and there will be a beer garden open on site.
New this year is a team draft option for sponsors, with 10 teams and a $5,000 award for the winning team.
“The stock draw for the first go around is done right after the barrel racer qualifier Thursday night,” he explained. “Sponsors who purchase a team have a chance to draft a contestant from each of the rodeo events. The team that has the most success from their contestants is the winner.”
Call said it’s a fun way to add something extra and gain more sponsorship.
Before each rodeo gets underway Friday through Sunday, there will be different presentations, in addition to the normal opening ceremonies.
“Some high profile guys have passed away and we will have a video about them as well as the horse with an empty saddle,” Call said.
Saturday’s theme will focus on the barn dance taking place after the rodeo.
On Sunday, during the intermission, there will be a ceremony for the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees.
There are three inductees this year and it is anticipated they will be formally announced by the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin some time this week.
Rodeo times are 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The barn dance starts at 8 p.m. Saturday and with music by DJ LNDN - Lynden Grosso.
There will be an Eggstravaganza on Sunday morning for children from 10 a.m. to noon.
Tickets for the rodeo events are available through Eventbrite.
