No Quesnel festival is quite the same without some barrel racing, and last weekend’s Fall Fair was no exception.
Despite some inclement weather, including the odd lightning strike, the race went well overall.
In the open match, Sandy Mulvahill, who was riding Salty, came in first with a time of 16.25 seconds, while Bobby Twan was runner up, coming in second on Alfred with a time of 16.62 seconds.
Julia Bowden was tops in the Junior race, riding Flick to a time of 16.94 seconds. Emma Lee rode Smoke to a second place finish, scoring a time of 17.39 seconds.
The Pee Wee races saw the biggest field, with 13 racers vying for top spot, which was captured by Kenzie Lloyd with a time of 17.91 seconds on Bert. Jorja Way came in second on Joey with a time of 19.40 seconds.
Organizer Chelsea Brears was the top pole racer on the day with a time of 23.92 seconds on Shady, while Kenzie Lloyd finished just behind her with a time of 24.23 seconds on Bert.
Men’s Barrel Racing was won by Ryan Brooks on Shady in 18.74 seconds, while Casey Whittet finished in second, riding Sunny to a time of 19.64 seconds.
Melissa Sword, a timekeeper for the event, says there was a nice break at the beginning from the rain and smoke as well as “some pretty good ground for the competitors to run on.”
A few competitors opted to stay away due to air quality, but Sword says those who did come had a great time and enjoyed the race.
One of the treats for the afternoon was local rodeo star Steve Hohmann competing in the men’s races.
“He had an awesome first run,” says Sword.
“Unfortunately there was a glitch in the timer, but Steve was a good sport about it.
“We sure enjoyed watching him.”
The series of races is nearing an end, with the 10th and final race due to be held in a couple of weeks pending availability at Alex Fraser Park.
WATCH: Quesnel Show and Shine and Fall Fair
