The Williams Lake Stampede Association (WLSA) was recently honoured with the Rodeo of the Year award by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA).
This is the first-ever Rodeo of the Year award was handed out by the CPRA, the official sanctioning body for Canada's professional rodeos, which approves over 60 rodeos every year.
"We were surprised, honoured and very proud to receive it," said WLSA President Court Smith.
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The WLSA received the award during the CPRA's annual Rodeo Committee Convention held in early October during the Canadian Finals Rodeo. The award requires a nomination, and while the WLSA put its own name in the hat, being selected was nevertheless a surprise.
"The Rodeos and those involved are the backbone of the sport and this is an opportunity to recognize a group that shows extraordinary steps forward in many facets, looking to provide the best experience to the fans, contestants, stock, and personnel," reads the CPRA's nomination form.
Among the criteria for the award is demonstrating an overall dedication to the growth of the event and the sport of rodeo, an overall dedication to creating a world-class fan experience, focusing on a well-executed rodeo production, emphasizing animal care, making the best efforts to bring in the best stock available and being involved in the community beyond the rodeo.
He said the WLSA works hard year-round to make the stampede the best it can be every year. "It's really cool to see it all come together in that weekend," Smith said. "Every year is a highlight, we put it on for the community, for the city of Williams Lake," and, he said, for the guests from across the globe who visit the Cariboo for the world-famous stampede.
Smith said this year's rodeo hosted nearly 400 contestants over four days, with a total payout of about $215,000, making the Williams Lake Stampede the second-highest paying single-go rodeo in Canada. "We had the best of the best in Canada," Smith said.
"The biggest reward is when you see your grandstands are full."
The WLSA's nomination was accompanied by letters of recommendation from MP Todd Doherty, MLA Lorne Doerkson and Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor, who applauded the stampede for a "record year" during the Sept. 16 regular council meeting when the City resolved to strengthen its relationship with the WLSA.
Next year's event will be the 98th annual Williams Lake Stampede, and ideas are already floating around for the 100th.
"We're looking forward to 2026 being equal to or better than 2025," Smith said.
