The 19th annual Interlakes BCRA Rodeo has a new chairperson and she’s anticipating the 2009 event will be a real winner.

Karen Passmore took over the position from long-time coordinator Dan Lytton, who, she said, more than deserved a break. Passmore said she’s been Lytton’s right-hand man for several years and feels ready for the job.

The rodeo takes place on Aug. 1 and 2 at the Interlakes rodeo grounds located near Roe Lake on East Sheridan Lake Road and Highway 24.

With a desire to change things up a bit this year, Passmore and her committee looked for a couple of new faces to take on key positions.

They found one in Pro West Rodeo Association Announcer of the Year for 2006 to 2008, Al Parsons, who will man the announcer’s stand both days.

“They say he has a unique method that will get the crowds standing on their feet. He sounds like he will be really great because he’s good at articulating the rodeo and it’s important to have someone like him who’s up on cowboy standings,” said Passmore. “We’re doing this for the crowd because an announcer makes up a big part of a rodeo.”

Another addition this year is Alberta-area rodeo clown Mark Van Tienhoven. Passmore said the Interlakes rodeo hasn’t employed a clown for five years now.

“A good rodeo clown can really add to the atmosphere,” she said. “And Mark comes with his own pig for the pig scramble.”

That event will be for the youngsters and so will the mutton busting competition.

Rodeo cowboys are a tough breed but, according to Passmore, they don’t get much braver than those on the BCRA circuit.

With the series nearing its season end and cash prizes on the line, a good turnout with plenty of grit and guts is expected from top riders scrambling for a few final points to add to their standings.

The rodeo opens each day at 1 p.m. with entertainment by the West Coast Thunder professional drill team from the Fraser Valley.

The all-female group will also be helping out throughout each day wherever they can.

Sunday will see slack events starting at 9 a.m. and there is a pancake breakfast each morning at 8 a.m. provided by the Interlakes Lions Club.

Rodeo admission is $10 for adults; and $5 for seniors and kids ages six to 12. On Saturday evening, the live band, Union Jack, will provide music for a rodeo dance in the Roe Lake Hall.

Tickets for that event can be reserved by calling Verna at 250-593-0025. No minors and no tickets sales at the door. Passmore said she could still use a few more volunteers and those interested can contact her at 250-593-0123.