Organizers prepare for bigger crowds at Falkland Stampede

FALKLAND, B.C. — The 103rd annual Falkland Stampede is set to go over the long weekend, and organizers hope it will be the biggest in history.

Speaking with Vernon Matters, rodeo manager Melissa Seaman said the event in 2022 had a record turnout with close to 6,000 people attending over the three days, and they are ready for even larger crowds this year.

“This year we’ve added more seating; there’s a lot more bleachers for people to sit in and there’s still lots of room for lawn chair seating as well if people want to bring their own lawn chairs,” Seaman said. “We’ve also added some more gate help and there’s additional parking and a lot more food vendors as well that we’re really looking forward to, so that should help with the larger crowds.”

She added the “great weather” in the forecast should help draw out more people to the rodeo, though acknowledged the weather does increase the risk of localized flooding in area creeks or wildfires sparking, adding they have emergency preparedness plans in place if needed.

The three-day rodeo in the community between Vernon and Kamloops, will see a lot of events from bull riding to barrel racing to team roping, and this year will feature some local and well-known competitors.

“We do have a couple Vernon locals actually: we have Jared Cooper. He’s grown up in Vernon and still lives there, he’s in the novice saddle bronc riding, and then we also have Vernon native Bobby Lewis in team roping,” Seaman told Vernon Matters. “We have past Canadian champion Brooke Wells, she’s from Kamloops, and also past Calgary Stampede champion Jolene Downey.”

Tickets can be purchased through the Falkland Stampede website. Children aged six and under will be allowed in free of charge.

Seaman said ticket sales have not been as strong as they were last year, though she noted sales do tend to pick up in the final days before the rodeo and people will also be able to buy tickets at the gate.

The parade will be held Sunday at 12:30 p.m., closing Highway 97 starting at 12:15 p.m.

Gates for the Falkland Stampede open at 10 a.m. each day, with further details on the schedule below.

• Saturday, May 20
  • Breakfast – 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Rodeo – 1 p.m.
  • Dance – Doors open at 9 p.m.
• Sunday, May 21
  • Breakfast – 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Cowboy Church – 10:30 a.m.
  • Parade – 12:30 p.m. (highway will be closed at 12:15 p.m. for the parade)
  • Rodeo – 2 p.m.
  • Dance – Doors open at 9 p.m.
• Monday, May 22
  • Breakfast – 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Rodeo – 1 p.m.

The rodeo will be announced by Tim Edge, and Dennis Halstead will be the rodeo clown.

The Full Throttle Trick Riders will put on halftime shows each day of the rodeo.