A Time Honoured Traditions: The Lillooet Lake Rodeo

Lillooet Lake Rodeo

The Lillooet Lake Rodeo - A Time Honoured Tradition

One of the best things about the Pemberton Valley is our community. So many of the events that take place annually or semi-annually in our area centre around our strong sense of community and the traditions which bind us together.

One of those traditions is the Lillooet Lake Rodeo. Not only is it a WIREA event, a professional rodeo, but it is also a time for the Lilwat community to get together. One of the most special things about the rodeo is that, in Mike Douglas' words, "The best thing is that the entire community of Mt Currie comes out for the whole weekend."

Mike Douglas, who regularly shoots riders of a different sort for Mountain Life and other publications, decided to take his camera to the rodeo in case he came across some good footage. He ended up with this film, depicting the energy and emotion in the rodeo weekend better than words alone ever could.

A Fun Community Tradition

The first day of the rodeo is a Fun Rodeo, where novices can join in and participate in rodeo events if they dare. There is also a parade, beginning at 11:00, which is the perfect start to the weekend. Everyone in the community comes out and the true celebration of Lilwat community and tradition begins.

Though this is a Lilwat event, visitors are more than welcome, and the rodeo is an excellent way to experience a slice of British Columbia tradition that not very many people have a chance to experience. For more on Mike Douglas and this video, check out the Winds of Change, a local blog.

Rodeos in British Columbia

Rodeos in British Columbia are a long held tradition based on the cowboy culture of the wild west. In the 1950s in Alberta, British Columbia and across the United States, native rodeo participants split off and formed their own rodeo associations, to better express what is unique about their culture in the rodeo arena. In a native rodeo, the most important feature is community! The novice (or fun) rodeo events are typical of these rodeos. Another feature of native rodeos is the cowboy prayer, and other ceremonial prayers which highlight respect for the animals involved.

For more information about the upcoming 2015 Lillooet Lake Rodeo, please see our events listing.