The 53rd annual Quesnel Rodeo drew record crowds last weekend (July 20-22) as onlookers and competitors braved the spotty weather to take in the western spectacle at Alex Fraser Park.
“We were at least 500 people over expectations for every crowd,” says Ray Jasper, Quesnel Rodeo Association’s president.
He estimates 1,500 people made it out for Friday night, 2,500 for Saturday and a whopping 3,000 spectators for Sunday.
“They’re ginormous numbers,” he says, “And the crowds were unbelievable, even though the weather was dicey.
“We’re really ecstatic about the turnout,” he continues. “Rodeo is about the people involved, so it’s more than just a sport, it’s a social event.”
This year it was particularly important to organizers that the best show be put on, as there was no rodeo last year due to the wildfires.
“Our members worked tirelessly behind the scenes all year long, so the turnout really validates everything they do and helps them realize their hard work goes towards something bigger than them,” Jasper says, adding, “Our rodeo is the biggest event in Quesnel every year bar none, so it’s a special thing when it turns out the way it did.”
This was the first year Alex Fraser Park had a large screen to watch replays on, which seemed to play well with the crowd, who would cheer heartily at the successes and foibles of the competitors.
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One of Jasper’s favourite moments from the weekend was the honouring of Gus and Nita Cameron as lifetime members of the association.
“They have been the push behind the Quesnel Rodeo for all its existence,” he says, “They were there at the beginning and they took the reins five years after it started and are still working hard today.”
The Quesnel Rodeo Association honoured the Camerons by naming a bucking chute after them, showcasing them in the parade and presenting them with a pair of leather jackets.
Competition wise, Jasper says the bull rides were “spectacular!”
Quesnel competitors finished first and second in the event with Lane Cork taking top spot, followed by Micaiah Gordon.
Steve Hohmann won the bareback and came up just short in the saddle bronc for another impressive Quesnel performance.
In tie-down roping, local cowboy Steve Lloyd placed second, but in team roping, he was part of the winning team with Kyle Bell from Houston.
Former Quesnel locals McKenzie Wills and Taylor Cherry come in second and third respectively in barrel racing, and Bud Lawlor, who teamed up with Cliff Bick from Walhachin, came in second in #8 team roping.
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