The West Valley Stampede is back in Langley for the third straight year this long weekend.
Organizers say it is the only professional rodeo event in the Lower Mainland or the Fraser Valley.
Sheila Hicks, president of the event, says the location is ideal, explaining that Langley is the self-proclaimed horse capital of Canada.
“Where it’s being held, on the Langley Riders Grounds, … they have hosted the Little Britches Rodeo here for 55-plus years,” Hicks said.
“So we saw the need to naturally progress up into a pro rodeo in the community.”
She says its important to keep the spirit of rodeo alive.
“Rodeo has a lot to do with history and values,” she said. “We wanted to make sure that we keep that alive and promote rodeo within the community.”
Athletes from across the North American circuit have come together to compete for $15,000 in prize money.
In the past, the rodeo has been the source of criticism by animal rights advocates. In 2023, the organizer of a protest outside the event told 1130 NewsRadio that the animals forced to participate in the events endure pain. The president of the rodeo responded to that criticism, saying they put “animal safety first.”
The event kicks off each day at 2 p.m. and features 11 food trucks, 18 vendors, pig races, and a rodeo clown.