As the first stop on the 2013 BC Rodeo Association circuit, the 23rd annual Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo promises to attract hundreds of rodeo competitors to the lakecity this weekend.
Gwen Cyr, Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo director, said they’re expecting three back to back sellouts when the rodeo kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, then resumes for two more rodeo performances at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
“The arena holds about 1,100 people, and we’re expecting it to be totally sold out again,” Cyr said. “We’re expecting a strong number of entries. Ticket sales are going really well and there’s lots going on.”
New this year, as part of each rodeo performance’s opening act, are the Young Gunz, a youth trick riding group based out of Bonnyville, Alta.
“We’ve never had them before,” Cyr said, who also noted some comedic performances, along with the West Coast Thunder Drill Team, will help round out the opening act. “So that’s new and exciting.”
Back once again this year is Canadian Pro Rodeo (CPRA) announcer of the year Brett Gardiner — an eight-year veteran in rodeo announcing — along with rodeo clown and barrel man Dennis Halstead.
Cyr said C+ Rodeos will guarantee to provide stock that will undoubtedly treat fans to an exciting performance.
Local Stampede Royalty, special guest Miss Rodeo Canada Gillian Shields, and visiting royalty will also be on hand to help out at the rodeo.
During Sunday’s performance Archie Williams (Cache Creek), Larry Ramstad (Gang Ranch), John Dodd (formerly of Riske Creek) and Frank Teer (Houston) will be inducted into the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Friday night a local band, the Skid Marks, will perform a free concert in the beer gardens, located in rink two at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.
Saturday’s barn dance features Quesnel’s Rockin Chair. Cyr said they’re expecting a sold out barn dance, and added tickets are going fast.
“Their [Rockin Chair] lead singer was here before with a different band two years ago,” Cyr said. “It’s country rock, and it’s really good music to dance to. And Friday with the Skid Marks, they’ve been before and they’re great.”
Friday night and Saturday night Adventure Charters and the Williams Lake Rugby Football Club will offer safe rides home.
Rodeo tickets, barn dance tickets and indoor rodeo merchandise are still on sale at the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo office on the upper level of Boitanio Mall. Or, for more information, call the rodeo office at 250-398-3334.
“We’re looking forward to a great weekend,” Cyr said. “I think everybody’s ready to get out of their houses to do some rodeoing and some barn dancing.”
