Stampede a success

The 82nd annual Williams Lake Stampede included great performances and competitions from cowboys and cowgirls throughout North America.

Fred Thomas, president of the Williams Lake Stampede Association, said Monday morning that attendance thus far was 9,933. The full count won’t be known until after Tribune deadlines.

“The whole event has gone great so far. Overall, I think it’s an excellent show,” Thomas says.

This year’s Mountain Race, he says, had a high turnout of seven competitors.

“It’s growing with enthusiasm, both from the spectators and the competitors.”

He says the prize money has also increased, thanks to local businesses happy to sponsor the event.

There were also few mishaps, even though cowboys and cowgirls have put themselves in some scary situations, riding bucking broncos and giant bulls.

“There’s been no instances with animals,” he says.

Rodeo events included bareback riding, bull riding, pony chariots, the ranch challenge, tie down roping, barrel racing, the Mountain Race, pony chuck wagons, saddle bronc riding, team roping, and the wild horse race.

During the intermission, the Red Rodeo Cowboy Girls Trick Riding wowed the crowd with their fancy legwork and skill. Although the ladies wore sparkly red attire for most days, they, as well as many other rodeo participants and spectators, wore pink on Sunday to raise money for cancer research as part of the Tough Enough to Wear Pink cause.

Liz and Bronc Twan were the 2008 Lifetime Pass recipients, and Olive Mackenzie was honoured by being named this year’s honorary parade marshal.

The weekend events also included some yummy eatings, including pancake and Stampede breakfasts, Stampede Beef on a Bun, and the Rotary Steakout and Ribfest.

Family entertainment also included music by the Chinese Children’s Theatrical Performers who enraptured spectators with their talent, playing traditional Chinese instruments such as the Ehru and Guzheng.

Families also enjoyed riding on the rides at the Midway.

Stampede events continued on into the evening hours, with karaoke, performances by Clancy Wright and the Silverados and Ken McCoy at the Let R Buck Saloon, as well as the Stampede Barn Dance at the Curling Rink.