Excitement is mounting for the 95th Williams Lake Stampede.
Not only are we past the pandemic restrictions this year - finally, but we get our very own hometown hero Rick Hansen here to celebrate with us.
This past week marked 50 years since Hansen’s life-altering injury. He is the Williams Lake Stampede parade marshal this year thanks to the efforts of Willie Dye, and he plans to showcase several difference makers in our community on Saturday at the parade. Of course, to us he’s the biggest difference maker of all, making a positive difference in lives of people and communities around the world. Welcome home Rick.
Always exciting at Stampede time, of course, are the three Indigenous horse, horse and wagon and bike groups making the journey from the Chilcotin to the Williams Lake Stampede. These mostly Tsilhqot’in communities are passing on their culture and their horsemanship skills to the youth while reconnecting as they camp out. We can’t wait to see these groups honoured and applauded at the Williams Lake Stampede and parade, and welcomed to the area by their Secwépemc neighbours.
This year there will be three, CPRA-sanctioned rodeos on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, as well as a Bullarama and the popular Wild Cowgirl Race, Mountain Race and Wild Horse Race to kicks things off Thursday evening.
Don’t forget there’s also a Stampede rugby tournament, racing at Thunder Mountain, a Stampede street party and Canada Day celebrations to choose from.
Something for everyone. We wish everyone a safe and wonderful Canada Day/Stampede weekend.
- Efteen
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