Cowboys, cowgirls, clowns, mouth-watering barbecue, and Langley art.

They’ll all be on tap over the next few days at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair.

This weekend’s fair is hosting some of the finest artists in Western Canada at The West Fine Art Show.

This special exhibition is free with admission to the popular annual event, May 15 to 18 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.

Event curator Murray Phillips, himself a seasoned artist from Langley, founded the event to fulfill his vision of bringing together a group of talented Western Canadian artists in a single show 2009.

The resulting West Fine Art Show has been a tradition in the region for enthusiasts of art that celebrates the western lifestyle.

“The West Fine Art Show was always a dream of mine,” Phillips said. “We’re featuring 20 artists at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair and fair goers can connect with the artists and their beautiful pieces of art. I want to invite everyone to join us for this show and support two worthy local charitable foundations.”

Hosted by the Cloverdale Rodeo, Phillips has further partnered with Vancouver’s C.H.I.L.D. Foundation, a foundation dedicated to finding a cure for children stricken with Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and liver disorders.

He has also partnered with The Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation, which provides scholarships to past and present student volunteers at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association.

A portion of all art sales will be donated to these two causes.

Featured in the show is Langley artist Brian Croft, whose work emanates from the beautiful locales surrounding Vancouver. He has been painting the history of B.C. for almost 20 years and has created over 380 works of art.

Another artist to watch for is Gaye Adams, whose oil paintings are created en plein air and draw the viewer in with her expert use of colour and light.

Rodeo time

The feature attraction for many will be the 69th annual Cloverdale Rodeo features bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding and ladies barrel racing at each of five performances. One of the richest rodeos in North America, competitors will vie for more than $325,000 in prize money.

“This year’s crop of elite veteran competitors along with the next wave of young athletes will deliver an amazing exhibition of athleticism and an unparalleled rodeo experience,” says Cloverdale Rodeo Chair Penny Smythe. “We are excited to welcome the best of the best in the sport of rodeo.”

Competitors to watch include:

• Caleb Bennett, the 2014 Cloverdale Rodeo bareback champion, and currently ranked seventh in the world in the 2015 standings;

• Wade Sundell, who is third in the world 2014 final standings and currently sits in seventh place in the world standings;

• Dustin Flundra, a three time Canadian saddle bronc champion, who is currently fourth in the 2014 Canadian final standings;

• The 2014 Canadian bull riding champion Dakota Buttar;

• Steve Woolsey, a finalist on the third season of reality TV show Toughest Cowboy and the 2008/09 Cloverdale Rodeo champion; and

• Steffanie Mather, new to the circuit and the 2014 Canadian ladies barrel racing champion.

For more information about the rodeo and country fair, visit www.cloverdalerodeo.com.

Whet your appetite

Bring your ten-gallon appetite to Cloverdale this weekend as top barbecue chefs from across Canada are set to dish out authentic, finger-licking good Southern style barbecue at this year’s Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair.

North Vancouver’s own Smoke and Bones, 2012 Canadian National BBQ Champions, will be serving up their award-winning slow cooked ribs, pulled pork, chicken, beef brisket, and famous sides.

Ontario favourite Boss Hoggs BBQ will be living up to their motto: “Taste the Smokin’ Difference.”

Prairie Smoke & Spice pride themselves on being the home of genuine pit-smoked barbecue catering in southern Saskatchewan. One taste of their award winning succulent and juicy barbecue will have fair goers coming back for seconds.

For a detailed schedule of events, performances, and to purchase tickets visit www.CloverdaleRodeo.com.

 

Langley Advance