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VIDEO: Cow Boss carving back downtown in time for Williams Lake Stampede

Third time’s a charm for carver Ken Sheen

A new Cow Boss statue took its rightful place above the Stampede Grounds along Oliver Street Tuesday afternoon in Williams Lake in just time for the rodeo.

Surrounded by dignitaries, the unveiling was applauded by city councillors on hand for the event as well as representatives from sponsor Atlantic Power.

Carver Ken Sheen said he felt a sense of relief that the new Cow Boss statue was completed and back in its location.

The city has been without its Cow Boss statue since the first one was rotten and removed June 2020.

The city commissioned Sheen to carve a new statue, however, that one was destroyed by a structure fire April 16, 2021 just before it was set to be installed.

In that fire Sheen lost his shop, several carvings and a lifetime of tools. He has slowing been trying to recover from the loss.

This Cow Boss carving, which would be his third, took five straight weeks to complete and is carved from solid Red Cedar. It is not fashioned to be any particular person, however, Sheen said it seems to have taken on some of the features of an old friend of his.

The city extended their gratitude to Atlantic Power, who covered the cost of the new carving.

“Many thanks to Atlantic Power for their generous support of this Williams Lake landmark, and to Ken Sheen for the beautiful carving,” notes the city.

The Williams Lake Stampede is set to take place starting Thursday, June 30, July 1, 2 and 3.

Read More: Nearly completed cow boss statue commissioned by City of Williams Lake lost to fire



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Angie Mindus

About the Author: Angie Mindus

A desire to travel led me to a full-time photographer position at the Williams Lake Tribune in B.C.’s interior.
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