Hang on to your hats; it’s time for the 46th annual Little Britches Rodeo.
The sanctioned rodeo on May 19 will feature contestants up to 14 years old in a variety of competitions ranging from steer and cow riding to calf and dummy roping, and everything in between.
Together with some always-fun events, such as goat tail tying and stake races, crowds and participants alike are sure to have a great time, says spokesperson Ron Szigety.
“We’re hoping for a great turnout from the community and a nice warm sunny day.”
A new competition called chute dogging will join the event lineup this year, where the youngsters attempt to wrestle down a steer by the horns.
While it’s similar to bull dogging, these youths will be on foot, not on horseback, to try to grab it coming out of the chute and use the animal’s own momentum for its downfall.
Spectators will be tickled pink by the greased pig contest (with a $50 prize) and the all-time crowd favourite, mutton bustin’ for the wee ones.
The barrels, poles and breakaway roping competitions will also take place as usual.
The Little Britches Rodeo will get underway earlier, as a rodeo parade is not happening this year, so head on over to the 100 Mile & District Outriders Grounds behind the South Cariboo Rec. Centre.
To grab a good seat, pony up for the gate opening at 8 a.m. as the rodeo starts at 9 a.m.
Gate admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and free for children aged six and under.
The junior events will run all morning until the break around 11:30 a.m., and then the senior competitions will commence after lunch.
Mosey over to the concession when you get peckish for a meal or snack, but be sure to be ready for the noon Grand Entry, featuring the Cariboo Cowgirls drill team and the flag-bearing children.
Junior contestants aged nine-and-under and seniors from 10 to 14 years are welcome to participate, but should note it’s time to get on board now.
Pre-registration takes place tonight (May 9) by calling Allison at 250-296-4778 between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. It is required for all junior and senior events.
Registrants will need their medical number and birth-date proof ready when they call.
Entry fees are $10 per event plus a one-time $5 office fee for each pre-registered contestant, paid at the office on rodeo day.
Late registrations will be accepted until 9 a.m. on May 10, but a firm $50 late penalty applies.
The mutton bustin’ is open for children aged six and under and up to 50 pounds and registration is taken only on rodeo day at the office, for $3 plus a $2 office fee.
The Ranch and Country Show will take place all weekend long (May 19-21) on the rodeo grounds, with tractors, farm equipment, horse trailers, trucks, forestry and other displays, with admittance included in your rodeo ticket.
The rodeo will wrap up around dinnertime and then the Louisiana Hayride concert starts at 7:30 p.m. in the rec. centre arena, with tickets available for $29 at Donex Pharmacy & Department Store, Didi’s Boutique, 108 Mile Supermarket and Work n Play.
For more information about events and prizes (not registration), go to the website at www.bclbra.org, or call Ron at 250-397-2897 or Denise at 250-396-7724.
