The B.C. Northern Exhibition has roped a rodeo into its fold this summer.
The B.C. Rodeo Association's Great Northern Rockin' Rodeo will stop in Prince George during the BCNE on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16.
"It's the first time (the BCRA) has been here," said BCNE general manager Amanda Chandler. "We haven't staged a rodeo in 10 years. The benefit is it will attract more people and we're super excited. Rodeo has a huge following. All people have to do is pay the gate admission and you'll get into the rodeo for free. It brings another element to it and it goes hand-in-hand with the rest of the big fairs."
The rodeo on the exhibition grounds adjacent to CN Centre will feature top cowboys competing in bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, ladies barrel racing, team roping, junior barrel racing and junior steer riding.
Besides the rodeo, the 103rd fair from Aug. 12-16 - themed Country Roots and Cowboy Boots - celebrates other agricultural events such as the heavy horse pull and the annual 4-H Auction. 4-H members will showcase their achievements in steer, cattle and rabbit projects, among others.
There will also be two days of motocross with more professional riders and an expanded track. Motocross racing kickstarts the fair on the first two days.
Besides the long-standing Home Arts and Horticulture exhibits, other events include the annual Stetson Stomp dance on Aug. 15, a community pancake breakfast and competitions between firefighters, as well as daily entertainment and the midway, thanks to West Coast Amusements.
This year, the cost of admission has also been lowered and there will be free parking for everyone.
