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Attention Evolution COWBOYS: The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is happening THIS WEEKEND! They’re coming off of a 3-year hiatus, so if you’re a cowboy, or just a cowboy at heart, then I wouldn’t miss this event. It’s being held from May 19 (this Friday) to Monday May 22nd at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey, so you’ve got all weekend to check it out. There’s a lot going on here, so let’s take a look at the rodeo side of things first:
There are five main rodeo performances, and over 96 cowboys and cowgirls participating. The performances will feature roughstock rodeo events like bull riding, saddle bronc, and bareback. I gotta be honest, I’m not much of a cowgirl myself, so I’m not actually too sure about what those events are, but I’m sure that they’re really fun to watch, regardless of your level of understanding of rodeos. Performances will be taking place each day of the event, with the finals being on Monday. Make sure to wear your best cowboy hat and boots if you plan on attending!
Next up is the country fair itself. There’s a lot going on there, from an outdoor stage with tons of performances each day, a saloon, a barn, and even WRESTLING. There are carnival rides, pony rides, and a vintage truck museum as well. There’s also plenty of food options available as well, so make sure to bring an appetite.
The fair also offers something a bit more unique–the Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation. It’s an annual scholarship program awarded to a number of high school student recipients. If you decide to drive, the parking fee is $20, BUT all that money goes towards the scholarship fund, so not a bad cause to support!
I have personally never been to a rodeo, but I had a manager at one of the jobs I worked at who had horses and regularly participated in them, so I’ve seen a lot of clips that he would show me. Also, being from Ottawa, I attended the Carp Fair many times growing up. It’s basically the equivalent to the Cloverdale Country Fair, sans rodeo. They also had a reptile zoo though, and I remember holding a big snake as a little kid and feeling like the coolest kid in the world.
Definitely check out the rodeo and country fair this weekend if you’re looking for a fun time! It’s truly the perfect opportunity to live out your cowboy fantasy.
