This weekend’s action marks the 65th anniversary of the Kispiox Valley Rodeo, also known as the Biggest Little Rodeo in the West.
By all accounts, organziers have things well underway to ensure another great weekend of rodeo action.
“Things are coming together really well but we still need more volunteers,” Andrea Vickers explained.
“We’re looking for people to run things such as the T-shirt booth, beef on a bun booth and a variety of other things.”
The weekend festivities are renowned for bringing in spectators and performers from all over the country.
The action kicks off Friday evening with the family dance at the Kispiox Valley Hall.
Rodeo action gets underway Saturday, June 2 at 1 p.m. with a performance by the Kispiox Valley Drill team.
The cowboys and cowgirls then climb into their saddles for events such as bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and more.
There is also a handful of fun events, including the stick horse race and mutton busting for the children, cowhide races and wild horse races for the adults.
Saturday night features the now famous Western Idol contest and organizers are still looking for more local competitors to show off their best western voices before the adult dance begins. Both the Idol winner and the KVR Queen competition winner will be announced Sunday.
This year’s T-shirt design features a Roy Henry Vickers original creation of a bareback bronc rider.
Leading up to the weekend, Hazelton and area businesses are decked out trying to beat the two-time award winning New Hazelton Bulkley Valley Credit Union in the Best Western Business Award competition.
Winners will be announced in Old Hazelton, Friday at noon.
Any business can enter and decorate with things such as saddles, wagons, hay bales, and western gear.
To enter, email the business info to Vickers at andreavickers@me.com.
For anyone wishing to volunteer and get a free pass to this weekend’s rodeo action and events, or would like more information, contact juliacorbett_8@hotmail.com or call 250-842-5193.
Camping is available and passes and tickets can be purchased at the gate.