Organizers of the Quesnel Rodeo are anticipating hundreds of spectators over two days of rodeo action this weekend featuring competitors from across B.C.
“The entries are huge this year,” said Quesnel Rodeo Club president Ray Jasper.
“Looks like the weather is going to be good, and we’re getting everything settled up and ready to go, so we’re looking in pretty good shape.”
Both days will start with morning slack followed by afternoon rodeo events such as wild cow milking, bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bull riding.
Jasper suspects there will be close to 230 competitors each day, with the slack and rodeos running between three to three and half hours.
“There’s a lot of local competitors we have just about in every event,” Jasper added.
“We’ve got a good, local contingent for sure.”
Admission to attend is by donation that will be accepted at the gates by Quesnel Ambassadors Naylene Runge, Jaeana Dumais and Jessie Johal.
Concession and beer gardens featuring live music will be available.
Lhtako Dene Nation is serving as the main sponsor for the event, with numerous, local businesses providing support.
“Sponsorship for this year, we figure, was over the top,” Jasper said. “We were a little leery how that was going to play out, but it turned out very well, better than expected … We couldn’t have done it without the businesses in Quesnel stepping up.”
Both days will also feature the Nazko First Nation doing a drum ceremony.
Attendees are encouraged to wear orange on Sunday in support of residential school survivors and those who did not survive.
Jasper said Quesnel has been fortunate not to have many days with smoky skies and that most have gotten used to the summer heat.
“We have a good safety plan in place for COVID-19, and we’re hoping that people respect everybody’s personal space and look out for each other,” he said.
“I think that we’re going to do the best we can, and we’re outside. Hopefully, we can celebrate a good event in nice weather and hope for the best for the fires. That’s all we can do for the fires because holy cow, and pray that we stay fire-free in our area.”
Read More: Saddle up: Quesnel Rodeo Club planning three 2021 events
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