Hang on to your hats because it’s rodeo time once again. The 101st annual Meadow Lake Stampede takes place this week, and several exciting events already in the history books. “Things started Monday (June 3) with the 4-H Achievement Day, held this year behind the old M & E building just on the edge of town,” explained Meadow Lake Stampede Association president Leighton Wood. “That was also the site of the District 36 4-H Show and Sale Tuesday (June 4). The rodeo itself really kicked off Wednesday evening (June 5) with the annual western parade.”

With the loss of the Meadow Lake Stampede Grounds and the ongoing construction of the new arena and recreation centre in that vicinity, this year’s parade began and ended at the Alliance Church. It also took on a slightly different route this year than residents may have been accustomed to. “By starting at the Alliance Church, it gave us enough area to line people up,” Wood said. “I hope the new route didn’t affect people too much… We still went past the villa for the seniors, and Elks Park – when we pass by – there always seems to be a lot of people lined up. With the great support we’ve had the last number of years for our parade, it was nice to see so many people still take part like they have before.”

Tonight (June 6) is when the action truly gets underway with the Mayhem in Meadow Bullarama, an event once again sanctioned by Bull Riders Canada. With the aforementioned loss of the Stampede Grounds, however, this year’s bull riding competition will be held at the Bear Creek Rodeo Grounds north of Meadow Lake. The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. “We have a new venue this year,” Wood said. “That will be kind of a change, but I’m looking forward to it. Changes always bring new challenges, but they bring new benefits as well. We’re pretty much set up there right now and ready to go.”

Friday and Saturday (June 7 and 8), Bear Creek will host rodeo action sanctioned by the Lakeland Rodeo Association. Spectators will have the chance to take in all their favourite events including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tiedown roping, steer wrestling, team roping, ladies barrel racing and more. Meanwhile, the Meadow Lake Co-op will host a rib fest at the rodeo grounds Friday from 4:30 to 7 p.m., while Saturday’s action will be followed by a dance.

“Finding a new location to host our events this year certainly put some pressure on us,” Wood noted. “It took some time to get things ironed out and the location secured. I believe people will still come out. There will be growing pains, but I’m quite excited about it. I think it will be good. This is our 101st year and we need to keep the tradition alive.”Hang on to your hats because it’s rodeo time once again. The 101st annual Meadow Lake Stampede takes place this week, and several exciting events already in the history books. “Things started Monday (June 3) with the 4-H Achievement Day, held this year behind the old M & E building just on the edge of town,” explained Meadow Lake Stampede Association president Leighton Wood. “That was also the site of the District 36 4-H Show and Sale Tuesday (June 4). The rodeo itself really kicked off Wednesday evening (June 5) with the annual western parade.”

With the loss of the Meadow Lake Stampede Grounds and the ongoing construction of the new arena and recreation centre in that vicinity, this year’s parade began and ended at the Alliance Church. It also took on a slightly different route this year than residents may have been accustomed to. “By starting at the Alliance Church, it gave us enough area to line people up,” Wood said. “I hope the new route didn’t affect people too much… We still went past the villa for the seniors, and Elks Park – when we pass by – there always seems to be a lot of people lined up. With the great support we’ve had the last number of years for our parade, it was nice to see so many people still take part like they have before.”

Tonight (June 6) is when the action truly gets underway with the Mayhem in Meadow Bullarama, an event once again sanctioned by Bull Riders Canada. With the aforementioned loss of the Stampede Grounds, however, this year’s bull riding competition will be held at the Bear Creek Rodeo Grounds north of Meadow Lake. The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. “We have a new venue this year,” Wood said. “That will be kind of a change, but I’m looking forward to it. Changes always bring new challenges, but they bring new benefits as well. We’re pretty much set up there right now and ready to go.”

Friday and Saturday (June 7 and 8), Bear Creek will host rodeo action sanctioned by the Lakeland Rodeo Association. Spectators will have the chance to take in all their favourite events including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tiedown roping, steer wrestling, team roping, ladies barrel racing and more. Meanwhile, the Meadow Lake Co-op will host a rib fest at the rodeo grounds Friday from 4:30 to 7 p.m., while Saturday’s action will be followed by a dance.

“Finding a new location to host our events this year certainly put some pressure on us,” Wood noted. “It took some time to get things ironed out and the location secured. I believe people will still come out. There will be growing pains, but I’m quite excited about it. I think it will be good. This is our 101st year and we need to keep the tradition alive.”