The 22nd Annual Interlakes Rodeo on Aug. 4-5 is shaping up to be two great days of rodeo action with a full slate of ornery broncs and ill-tempered bulls.
Wild West Rodeo Company from Salmon Arm is providing the stock, and according to rodeo chairperson Jim Zalo, it did a great job as last year’s stock provider.
The rodeo takes place at the Interlakes Community Complex at Roe Lake with the West Coast Thunder Drill Team opening both shows at 1 p.m. each day. The all-female team of precision riders are centred in the Cariboo and have entertained audiences all over British Columbia.
Once underway, expect to see a lot of well-known cowboys in the ring, as this is a British Columbia Rodeo Association-sanctioned event.
Jay Savage from Cranbrook will be back up in the announcer’s booth. He’s a familiar voice, having filled the position last year and in several years prior.
This year’s rodeo is dedicated to highly respected Interlakes cowboy Dan Lytton who passed away in June.
Zalo notes that on both days, after reciting of Cowboy’s Prayer, a riderless horse will be led around the ring as a tribute to Lytton.
“He’s probably one of the best known rodeo participants from this area, and to say that he was extremely loved by everyone, would be an understatement.”
To start the day off right, beginning at 8 a.m. each morning, the Highway 24 Interlakes Lions Club will be serving a pancake breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage and coffee. Zalo says the breakfast is a great deal and it draws a lot of people.
Rodeo admission for adults is $10, while seniors and children aged six to 12 pay $5. Children five and under get in free of charge.
Zalo says he would like to hear from anyone wishing to volunteer at the rodeo and he can be contacted at 250-593-0203.
