KAMLOOPS HOSTS COMMUNITY'S FIRST OUTDOOR PRO RODEO OF 2009
May 8, 2009

What do professional cowboys, sunshine, and the cast and crew from “Flicka 2” have in common?

They’re all going to be out in southern B.C. this weekend for the Kamloops Spring Rodeo, sponsored by Global 8 Environmental Technologies and Dynasty Farms.

Some of the sport’s best athletes will compete in all six major events and team roping at the KXA Grounds located at 485 Mt Paul Centre Way in Kamloops on May 9 and 10. The first performance of the dual-approved rodeo commences at 5 p.m. Saturday, and Wild West Entertainment Rodeo Co. is providing the stock.

“They’ve got some good stuff,” said Dennis DeRose, a member of the Kamloops Outdoor Pro Rodeo Committee, said of the stock contractor based out of Langley, B.C.

Wild West Entertainment is new to pro rodeo this season, but has been supplying stock around the B.C. circuit for some time now.

“I’ve seen them at quite a few of the amateur rodeos and they’ve got some good stock. There should be some good match-ups,” DeRose added.

And, according to DeRose, Saturday’s performance will include an extra set of bull riders on the card.

“We have a small section of local bull riding on Saturday to fill the card. Local B.C. permit guys,” he said.

On top of all that excitement, the crew from the upcoming movie “Flicka 2,” who have been filming in the Kamloops and Langley area for the past couple of months, will be using the rodeo for their wrap-up party, as well as to film some final scenes. The film stars country singer Clint Black and TV funnyman Patrick Warburton best known for his voiceover work on “Family Guy.”

The rodeo’s second performance on Sunday begins at 1 p.m., and earnings collected will go towards the CPRA standings and the PRCA standings, as well as the Duane Daines Saddle Bronc Series and the Kenton Randle Bareback Series.

As an added incentive, a $5,000 bonus will be awarded to the top four bull riders with the highest combined scores who compete at both 2009 Kamloops rodeos.

Tickets for the Kamloops Spring Rodeo and dance are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. Children 12 and under free, and only those 19 and up will be admitted to the dance on Saturday evening.

Advance tickets are available in Kamloops at The Horse Barn, Whispers, and Dallas Petro-Canada.