Cowboys and cowgirls from across Alberta and British Columbia gathered in Valemount this weekend for the fourth annual Valemount Rodeo on July 10, 11 and 12. Amateur and professional rodeo participants dazzled the crowd with displays of bull riding, barrel racing, pack-horse racing, steer roping and pole riding, while competing for prize money on the British Columbia Rodeo circuit.

“We had a good turn-out. On the Saturday, we had about 900 people,” said rodeo president Bob Griffin.

One-hundred-and sixty cowboys and 34 bull riders took part in the event, including several of the top riders on the circuit. 

“We had all the top riders. Who are riding for points. The top rider on the circuit is 17-years-old and earned $23,000 last month,” Griffin said.

The rodeo continues to grow in popularity amongst the riders.

“We have open camping and the cowboys can ride anywhere they like. The views are great and the cowboys really like it out here,” Griffin said.

The rodeo coincided with a music fest, which included a Garth Brooks tribute band. Griffin said the rodeo date was moved this year to avoid competing with the Robson Valley Music Festival.

The rodeo will go ahead next year, Griffin said, however there may be a changes to the events. The committee would like to add a heavy horse pull and more children’s activities to the bill.