Sunny skies prevailed throughout most of the weekend, for the Bella Coola Valley Ridge Riders 34th Annual Rodeo, held June 28th - July 1st.
The weekend kicked off with an open gymkhana on Friday afternoon. Contestants of all ages competed in the five traditional events of Keyhole, Polebending, Stake Race, Scurries, and Barrel Racing, cheered on by small but loyal group of spectators. Winners of the respective High Point titles and silver buckles for the gymkhana were Kylie Lamothe - Peewee; Cooper King - Intermediate; Sydney Schuk – Junior; and Shelly Schiller - Open.
The two one-day BCRA rodeo format continues to ensure a large slate of contestants, with this year’s entries being the greatest number ever. Due to the large number of entries, a ‘slack’ was held in the morning of each performance day. Scores and times from the slack are included with those from the performance, to determine the winners of each event.
Hereditary Chief, Noel Pootlass opened this year’s Annual Rodeo, welcoming all contestants and visitors to Nuxalk Territory, and offering a prayer for the safety of contestants and travellers.
The rodeo performances, held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, were enjoyed by a lively crowd that cheered particularly loudly as local contestants were introduced to compete in their respective events. This year’s compliment of local contestants was down over previous years, however local youth Morgan Nelson gave the Junior Steer Riding a whirl in Saturday’s performance, while Kalen Nelson entered up in Monday’s Jackpot Junior Steer Riding. Local fan-favourite, Isaac Mack, impressed the crowd with his win in Saturday’s Bull Riding, and second place money on Sunday. Isaac continues to post impressive scores this season, on both the BCRA (BC Rodeo Association) and BRC (Bull Riders Canada) circuits. Way to do Isaac!
Saturday’s and Sunday’s fans were entertained and engaged all afternoon by the outstanding stock provided by D-n-B Rodeo; veteran announcer Brian Baldry; and by numerous opportunities to participate and enjoy the weekend’s events: from Businessmen’s Cow Riding, to Cow Patty Bingo, dancing, Rodeo Burgers and beer.
The ever-popular Businessmen’s Cow Riding, held on Saturday, featured amateur riders, sponsored by local businesses. This year’s winner of the coveted silver buckle was Kris Knudsen, sponsored by Rip Rap Campsite. Congratulations Kris! Goes to show what can be achieved with a lot of perseverance and a little bit of courage!
The end of each performance day saw cowboys and spectators alike practicing their dancing moves. While Friday’s family dance was enjoyed by a relatively small group, the dance floor was packed on Saturday night, as guests enjoyed the rockin’ country sounds of Trevor Christensen & El Mule.
Monday afternoon’s activities included BCBRA barrel racing, and a Steer Riding and Bull Riding Calcutta. Once again, D-n-B Rodeo’s bucking bulls won the day, making visitor Ralph Meyers a little richer, after his winning bid “bought” the bulls, while the bull riders went home with day money only.
The Bella Coola Valley Ridge Riders would like to thank all of the contestants, sponsors, spectators, and volunteers that made our 34th Annual Rodeo possible. A huge thanks you also, to the supporters of the fundraising raffle. The luck winner of the West Coast Helicopter tour was Maxine Moses, and the Pacific Coastal tickets was Gertie Capoose. It takes a community….Long May We Run!
