The third rodeo performance of the 97th Annual Williams Lake Stampede saw some photo finishes, dusty cowboys and likely some sunburns.
As temperatures soared, it was a good thing the clothing choices around the rodeo tend towards big hats, long sleeves and blue jeans, because otherwise there would have been some crispy cowboys and cowgirls. But it was good weather for the grandstands, with shade on their side, and there was a great show to keep them entertained.
The rodeo began with the land acknowledgement on the big screen, followed by a moment to honour Terry Cooke, a past Canadian Professional Rodeo Association past president and judge lost to cancer.
Then, it being Sunday, there was the Cowboy's Prayer and a mention of the Tough Enough to Wear Pink theme colour in honour of breast cancer awareness.
The Wild West Riders had the crowd roaring into life, as they not only thundered through their moves but flew the flags for both the Canadian and American national anthems. No boos were had, and the sold out crowd cheered as the action got underway.
It is the 10th year of the Wild Cowgirl Race at the Williams Lake Stampede, and the third race of 2025's Stampede saw another win by Kayle Hartman on Turbo. The 100 Mile House duo has been in the top spot more than once, and know their way around this track. Hartman and Turbo will both be in the finals at tomorrow's fourth rodeo performance to try and take home the buckle. The duo have won top spot overall the two previous years, and a win on Monday would make it a hat trick for the team.
Kerry Johnson and Romee from Didsbury, Alta. were second, and will also be in tomorrows finals. The rest of the racers finished: Wendy Stad, third, Mary Mueller, fourth, Shae Spiker, fifth, and Launa Bartley, sixth.
The Mountain Race was a photo finish, with judges going over a freeze frame of the video to confirm Darren Sulin of Towdystan as the first place finisher, with Lisa Parfiniuk of Krestova, B.C. coming in a very close second. Third was Oliver Lindley of Quilchena, B.C.
From there for today's racers, William Smithers was fourth, Leo Quilt fifth, Jesse Chillihitzia sixth, Darren Setah was seventh, and Derek Lee Hink came in eighth. All the day's riders finished the race.
Derek Lee Hink of Yunesit'in came off his horse in the first corner, but managed to get back on and still finished the race. Even though he was being checked out after the race for injuries, the racer was certain he would be back to race again on Monday.
Jimmy Lulua, one of the race organizers, said it was a "game changer day" and said day four will determine the overall champion on Monday.
The current points standings for all the racers over the three days are: Darren Sulin, 90, Derek Hink, 88, William Smithers 50, Oliver Lindley 50, Lisa Parfiniuk 43, Leo Quilt 26, Jesse Chillihitzia 21, John Conway Lulua 17, Darren Setah 17, and Shae Spiker 4.
While there wasn't a lot of mud, there was a little bit of blood, as some cowboys hit the dirt hard on their dismounts, but no obvious injuries to report, allowing the first aid team of Unlimited Medical Services to go home and relax before their final day of duty on Monday.
Clown Jason Charters again kept the crowd entertained during any lulls in the action and the Full Throttle Trick Riders wowed the crowd with their incredible feats.
Temperatures were still at 27 C as vehicles lined up to make their way from the Stampede grounds at 7 p.m.
Monday, June 30 will see the final performance of the 97th Annual Williams Lake Stampede, with rodeo action beginning at 1:45 p.m. It will also be the last day to grab any last minute items at the Bronc Buster Trade Fair starting at 9 a.m. or catch the FMX Motocross show at 11:30 a.m.
Editor's note: This story was updated with additonal informaton on the Mountain Race from the original version.
