The province’s littlest cowboys and cowgirls are riding into Falkland this weekend for the B.C. Little Britches Rodeo.
The North Okanagan Rodeo Club hosts upwards of 100 competitors from the B.C. Little Britches Rodeo Association both Saturday and Sunday at the Falkland Stampede Rodeo Grounds with juniors (three to nine) starting at 9 a.m. and seniors (10-14) to follow.
“There will be no admission charge and we would encourage everyone to come on out and watch these future rodeo stars,” said Trevor Keenan, one of the event organizers.
The North Okanagan Rodeo Club was formed in the early 1990s and has seen several of its members move on to the ranks of College and Professional Rodeo. At present there are approximately 21 kids from the Okanagan Valley involved with the club.
“These kids and their parents are dedicated both in the practice pen and getting their kids to and from rodeos,” said Keenan, who has two of his own buckaroos taking part.
The club kids have already taken part in four rodeos: 100 Mile House, Clinton, Langley and Merritt. After Falkland, the kids head to Williams Lake, Prince George and then back to Falkland for the finals taking place Sept. 17 and 18.
Members are:
Enderby
- Taylor and Ayla Webb
Armstong
- Hanna and Taylor Fitchett;
- Cydney Schweb
- Jaret Cooper
Salmon Arm
- Raquel and Corben Marchiel
Kelowna
- Marina, Shayl and Jordyn Jardine
- Ashlyn Wade
- Simone Lamberton
Falkland
- Clayton and Travis Hurren
Vernon
- Taya and Zoey Hamming
- Ryder Barth
- Tori and Trent Keenan
- Ali Haworth
“The North Okanagan Rodeo Club would like to wish each and every competitor, no matter their skill level, a safe, memorable weekend,” said Keenan.