C
VA L L
E Y
N
I
O
L A
P
56
th
Annual Pro Rodeo
39th Nicola Valley
FALL FAIR & RODEO
SATURDAY, AUG. 30 & SUNDAY, AUG. 31
R
O
E R O D
O
Get'er Done
GATES OPEN: 4 PM PERFO PERFORMANCES: 5 PM
Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo celebrates 56 years Fall fair preserves agricultural traditions
GATES OPEN: NOON PERFORMANCES: 1 PM
By Ian Webster
BUSINESSMEN’S CALF DRESSING
Saturday - 5 pm & Sunday - 1 pm at the Rodeo Grounds Come watch local business people try to wrestle a calf and dress it in underwear. A little friendly competition - with the winners donating the winnings to a local charity of their choice.
D;M
A?:I 9EHD;H Come down early and let the kids burn off some energy with our
D;M
THE HERALD
sports@merrittherald.com
WHO WILL WIN
CALCUTTA AUCTION to be held on
C[Y^Wd_YWb 8kbb FRIDAY, AUG. 29 - 7 PM C[Y^Wd_YWb Ikh\ 8eWhZ AT THE GRAND PUB AND GRILL 8ekdYo 9Wijb[ WINNER WILL TAKE HOME THE POT ] <WY[ FW_dj_d] AND HELP OUT A LOCAL CHARITY HWdY^ >WdZ IWZZb[ 8hedY 9ecf[j_j_ed 9^_bZh[d½i I^e[ IYhWcXb[
FAIRWAY PL.
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VOGHT ST.
AN
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HILL ST.
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RODEO GROUNDS
HAMIL TON
MORRISLE
ASPE
Tickets available at the gate, CASH ONLY: 10 & under FREE, Students & Seniors - $12, Adults - $15 For group tickets phone Elaine Gill at 250-378-6827 or Brent Kynoch at 250-378-5741
THANK YOU TO OUR CHUTE SPONSORS:
In each of its hundred-plus years, the Nicola Valley Fall Fair has showcased arts and crafts, baking, home-grown fruits and vegetables, and canned goods. Above, revellers enjoy the third annual fall fair in this 1913 Herald archive photo.
By Michael Potestio THE HERALD
reporter@merrittherald.com
RIP-ROARIN’ ACTION Saddle bronc (above) is just one of several exciting roughstock events at the annual Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo. Ian Webster/Herald
will be wanting to put on a good show in front of a hometown audience against their rivals from other ranches throughout the southern Interior. To encourage young and old alike to come out and enjoy the rodeo, the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo has a new ticket price structure with adults at $15, students and seniors $12 and all children 10 and under absolutely free! Once again this year, the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo has attracted some of the best professional rodeo competitors in the business. Everyone’s trying to earn those precious points that will earn them a spot at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton in October.
See ‘Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo’ Page 2
What’s old is new again at the Nicola Valley Fall Fair. Just as the harvest season renews itself every year, this century-old tradition renews the culture of rural life in today’s technology-driven world. The fall fair will see plenty of fruits, vegetables, wines, baked and canned goods along with arts, crafts and photography on display — not to mention an assortment of animals — all ready to be judged and earn a coveted fall fair ribbon. Fair convener and treasurer Kathy Reimer said educating people about the old rural ways of life is the
fair’s goal. Recipes and information cards explaining facts such as how many tomatoes an acre of land can yield are on hand at the fall fair, Reimer said. “We try to have things that teach people, educate, and try to encourage them to get back interested in agriculture,” she said. Reimer pointed out that back in the old days, people did things such as canning out of necessity. “Not everybody had a fridge or freezer,” she said. The fall fair and the culture it showcases has over a century of history in the Nicola Valley. It was a warm, balmy Wednesday afternoon in Collettville when the first annual
Nicola Valley Fall Fair was held in September of 1910. A story from the Merritt Herald titled First Fall Fair A Healthy Kid described the inaugural event. “The long tables in the exhibition building were decorated attractively with the numerous fine displays from the orchard, the garden, the field and the dairy. The departments of education, fancy work, fine arts, domestic science, etc., were all well represented.” Reimer, who has over 30 years of experience with the fall fair, said she sees many familiar faces among those who come to check out what the fair has to offer.
See ‘New categories’ Page 2
DA
Merritt’s own Jayson Charters
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YOUR MAP TO THE NICOLA VALLEY RODEO GROUNDS!
The 56th edition of the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo on the Labour Day weekend in Merritt promises to be one of the best ever with a few new twists added to an always spectacular display of skill, courage and horsemanship by some of the best cowboys and cowgirls on the planet. This year sees one of the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo’s two performances move to the late afternoon/evening, with a 5 p.m. start time on Saturday. “We just thought that it might be a great idea,” NVPRA spokesperson Allie Thompson said. “Maybe it’ll attract some additional people who maybe can’t make it in the afternoon.” There’ll be a beer garden on site for both days of the rodeo, but Saturday’s evening performance will have live entertainment in the garden from renowned Canadian recording artists Whiskey Jane. “We’re hoping that a lot of the adults in the crowd will decide to stick around after the rodeo and enjoy the great music,” Thompson said. Sunday is officially ‘Family Day’ at the rodeo, with the afternoon performance kicking off at 1 p.m. There’ll be special activities for the youngsters, including a mechanical bull and surfboard, a bouncy castle, and a shoe scramble for the wee ones at the intermission. Sunday’s crowd will also be treated to two kids’ rodeo events at the intermission, as the Nicola Valley’s best duke it out in mutton bustin’ (sheep riding) and in peewee barrel racing. Should be a treat! Saturday’s intermission will see the Nicola Valley’s top ranch hands go toe-to-toe in the saddle bronc event. Douglas Lake cowboys
Pop by, hook up & load up your new trailer!
for a chance to win tickets
ICBC & PRIVATE INSURANCE CLAIMS
Ty Pozzobon Invitational
KICK OFF RODEO WEEKEND, VISIT US ONLINE AT www.nicolavalleyprorodeo.com
250-378-4628
Located next to Best-Valu Glass • 2663 GRANITE AVENUE • Located next to Fountain Tire
250-378-4531
This year’s Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo has it all From Page 1
SATURDAY, AUG. 30 & SUNDAY, AUG. 31, 2014 Saturday: noon to 8 pm & Sunday: 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
7? ;L? FI=;N?> DOMN J;MN NB? LI>?I ALIOH>M IH ,CH>F?S #L??E 2I;> should be side-splitting fun – to watch, that is! Don’t forget to pick up a rodeo program on the way in. There’s a great contest inside for everyone to try called Blasts from the Past. The challenge is to match the photographs of 10 local rodeo greats and not-sogreats from years gone by with the names provided on the page. Guessing is allowed! The program contest runs until intermission on Sunday. The winner will receive a free family pass (maximum four people) to both performances of next year’s Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo. As you can see, there’s so much to do and look forward to at this year’s pro rodeo. Have fun, and enjoy the action. See you there!
Nicola Valley Vintage Car Club showcase, along with vintage tractors. New at this year’s fall fair will be a live band – Randy and the Wild Horses – who will play at Sunday night’s dance, Reimer said. The dance begins 8:30 p.m. and runs until 1 p.m. Another new addition is folk singer Mat Duffus, who will play his family entertainment style of music at the fair on both Saturday and Sunday. Three new categories are also included this year: the B.C. fruit and flower themed
fabric table runner category; a gardening theme in the photography category; and a hand-painted terra cotta pot with the theme of B.C. vegetables in the hobbies category. Ribbons are awarded for first through third place finishes, with $3 for a first place prize, $2 for second and $1 for third, Reimer said. The fair is open 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Judging takes place Saturday morning. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children, and free for kids under six.
Saturday, August 30: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Aquatic Centre Parking Lot (by the NV Memorial Arena) Bring the whole family for Pancakes, Eggs & Sausage.
Adults $7 Kids/Seniors $5
Support your Cents!
Extravaganza of Colour
8*/& Chemistry in a bottle
FORAGE & CROPS
A Hayday of Farm Productss
345$%.43
Elementary and Secondary
PHOTOGRAPHY Time Held by a Photo
1
A rough stock rider has to stay on for ______for a qualified ride. S A UT O DC from the people
BAKING
FRUITS & VEGETABLES
An Aromatic Group p
A Show of Great Gardening
CANNING C A
4H 4 H CLUB C
FINE ARTS
The T Th he Freshness ooff the th garden in a jar. in
21
E
HOMECRAFTS H Handcrafted Ideas
A Picturesque Group of Artists
(/"")%3 ( (/ / "")%3 " %3 For the Hobby Enthusiasts
PET P E T SHOW SH HO OW O W S Smallest, malll ma m l es llest estt, B Bes Best esst Dressed, Dres Dr D res resse ssed edd,, Unique, Uni niqu quee, qu e, Best B t Trick, T i k & more!!
52
3& LAUD ER ST - BAY
xpert
DAI RY GOATS, SHEEP & SWI N E P O U LT RY & P IG EON S R ABBI TS, C AV AV I E S & HAMS H A M TER S HAM
D
4
2
Name the local cowboy who made it to the Calgary Stampede final round in 2014.
Come out to the Fall Fair Building and help us wrap up the 2014 Nicola Valley Fall Fair and Rodeo Weekend NICOLA VALLEY FALL FAIR
COUNTRY DANCE Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014: 8:30 pm to 1 am
$!.#% 4(% .)'(4 !7!9
FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE 250-378-7270 OR 250-378-9929
Canadian Rodeo Finals, 1913, Busisnessmens Calf Dressing, 56th, Whiskey Jane, Ty Pozzobon, tractor, 8 seconds, piggin’ string.
REPLY COUPON NAME: ______________________________ ADRESS: ____________________________ ______________________________________ PHONE NUMBER: _____________________ RULES: Complete the sentences found in each ad by matching a possible answer provided, with the incomplete sentence. Drop your entry form off at the Merritt Herald, 2090 Granite Ave. before 5 p.m., Thursday Sept. 4. Winner will be drawn 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 2014. Employees and family members of the Merritt Herald are not eligible for this contest. DON’T DELAY, FILL IT OUT...DROP IT OFF FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $50!
4
What event is new to the Rodeo this year?
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9.
______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________
7
Who will be playing in the Rodeo Beer Gardens Saturday night? COPPER VALLEY MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS LTD.
Store Hours 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM 7 Days a week
2760 Forksdale Rd.
5
______________ ______________ ________________ ________________
The Copper Valley Man
Extra Foods Merritt
iagnosis
250-378-1841
NV Pro Rodeo is celebrating their______ year.
Plumbing, Heating, Propane Services, & Air Conditioning
s #/54,%% !6%
8
Competing cowboys and cowgirls are fighting for a postion at the_______.
Coyote Collision
For F An An Animal Lovers L
Baking Contest, Commercial Booths, Tractor, Old Car & Farm Equipment Displays.
POSSIBLE ANSWERS :
who care about your car.
250-378-2929
Private Insurance Claims Accepted
check Come d down and che eck out h & August 31st all the exhibits on August 30th
s D se s N or n BA H i o E ild ig LIV & W b W y o nd J R Ra h D it w
Weekend Don’t Miss Rodeo Merritt Centennials Pancake Breakfast
FLOWERS
Sc r s oo om t y e our hi gh boo -p ts o w on er do pa w rty n in ’!
One of the larger sections in the fair is the children’s category. “It’s amazing to see the stuff that the kids put in,� Reimer said. The fair also sees its fair share of newcomers each year. Last year’s event saw an unprecedented increase in entries, Reimer told the Herald, with approximately 3,000 entries in 2013 compared to the 1,500 entries in 2012. Returning this year are the dog show on Sunday and the
WIN $50!
#IG? =B?=E ION ;FF I@ IOL ?RBC<CNM ;N NB? .6 &;FF &;CL
New categories sure to please at fall fair From Page 1
39th ANNUAL FALL FAIR
fo
Some of the big names to watch on Saturday and Sunday are this year’s Calgary Stampede winner Scott Schiffner versus topranked Tyler Thomsen in the bull riding, Lee Rombough (number one in tie down roping), brothers Curtis and Cody Cassidy (ranked one and two in steer wrestling), Tara Muldoon (ranked second in ladies barrel racing), and Ky Marshall (ranked second in bareback). There’ll be a few local cowboys and cowgirls to cheer on in the featured events, too, with Jorry Holmes in bull riding and Katie Garthwaite and Allie Thompson in ladies barrel racing. Whenever there’s a break in the action inside the arena, you can bet it’ll be local Get Down Rodeo Clown Jayson Charters who’ll be entertaining the audience and delighting the little ones with his hilarious antics, outrageous costumes and frenetic dancing. Got room for more entertainment? Be sure to get to your seats early, as the rodeo kicks off each day with a brand new event — the businessmen’s calf dressing. Three-person teams representing local businesses and organizations will have the unenviable task of trying to get a handle on a rambunctious calf and then adorn it with a fancy pair of underpants. It
PLAY THIS RODEO/FALL FAIR TRIVIA AND
Nicola Valley Fall Fair Association presents the
2338 Nicola Ave. 250-378-2030
3
Each year there is an old _____ and old car show at the fair grounds.
Serving the Nicola Valley since 1960. 1301 Nicola Ave. 250-378-5121
6
Tie-down ropers use a _____ to tie the calf’s three legs.
www.marios-towing.com
( (250) (250 378-9241
2676 Nicola Avenue - Toll Free: 1-888-292-1581
9
This two-day fall fair has been running since_______.
NICOLA VALLEY RADIATOR Big or small we ďŹ x them all!
No heat? Whatever your ttaste, t whatever h t your adventure, d t tth the Cit City off M Merritt offers a blend of country fun, an urban life-style, and outdoor adventure. Located at the heart of the Coquilhalla Highway and gateway to BC’s interior is the City of Merritt.
PROUD SPONSORS OF THE NICOLA VALLEY PRO RODEO
Try Flushing BEFORE REPLACING
s ! # COOLANT FLUSHING s &ULL SERVICE REPAIR OF AIR CONDITIONING UNITS s 2ECORE 2EPAIR RADIATORS
2775 Marian Avenue, Merritt
Proudly Supported by
RODEO
8 am - 9 pm DAILY
s #USTOM BUILT RADIATORS s (EATER CORES NEW AND RECORE s &LUSHING POWER
250-378-1366
This year’s Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo has it all From Page 1
SATURDAY, AUG. 30 & SUNDAY, AUG. 31, 2014 Saturday: noon to 8 pm & Sunday: 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
7? ;L? FI=;N?> DOMN J;MN NB? LI>?I ALIOH>M IH ,CH>F?S #L??E 2I;> should be side-splitting fun – to watch, that is! Don’t forget to pick up a rodeo program on the way in. There’s a great contest inside for everyone to try called Blasts from the Past. The challenge is to match the photographs of 10 local rodeo greats and not-sogreats from years gone by with the names provided on the page. Guessing is allowed! The program contest runs until intermission on Sunday. The winner will receive a free family pass (maximum four people) to both performances of next year’s Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo. As you can see, there’s so much to do and look forward to at this year’s pro rodeo. Have fun, and enjoy the action. See you there!
Nicola Valley Vintage Car Club showcase, along with vintage tractors. New at this year’s fall fair will be a live band – Randy and the Wild Horses – who will play at Sunday night’s dance, Reimer said. The dance begins 8:30 p.m. and runs until 1 p.m. Another new addition is folk singer Mat Duffus, who will play his family entertainment style of music at the fair on both Saturday and Sunday. Three new categories are also included this year: the B.C. fruit and flower themed
fabric table runner category; a gardening theme in the photography category; and a hand-painted terra cotta pot with the theme of B.C. vegetables in the hobbies category. Ribbons are awarded for first through third place finishes, with $3 for a first place prize, $2 for second and $1 for third, Reimer said. The fair is open 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Judging takes place Saturday morning. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children, and free for kids under six.
Saturday, August 30: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Aquatic Centre Parking Lot (by the NV Memorial Arena) Bring the whole family for Pancakes, Eggs & Sausage.
Adults $7 Kids/Seniors $5
Support your Cents!
Extravaganza of Colour
8*/& Chemistry in a bottle
FORAGE & CROPS
A Hayday of Farm Productss
345$%.43
Elementary and Secondary
PHOTOGRAPHY Time Held by a Photo
1
A rough stock rider has to stay on for ______for a qualified ride. S A UT O DC from the people
BAKING
FRUITS & VEGETABLES
An Aromatic Group p
A Show of Great Gardening
CANNING C A
4H 4 H CLUB C
FINE ARTS
The T Th he Freshness ooff the th garden in a jar. in
21
E
HOMECRAFTS H Handcrafted Ideas
A Picturesque Group of Artists
(/"")%3 ( (/ / "")%3 " %3 For the Hobby Enthusiasts
PET P E T SHOW SH HO OW O W S Smallest, malll ma m l es llest estt, B Bes Best esst Dressed, Dres Dr D res resse ssed edd,, Unique, Uni niqu quee, qu e, Best B t Trick, T i k & more!!
52
3& LAUD ER ST - BAY
xpert
DAI RY GOATS, SHEEP & SWI N E P O U LT RY & P IG EON S R ABBI TS, C AV AV I E S & HAMS H A M TER S HAM
D
4
2
Name the local cowboy who made it to the Calgary Stampede final round in 2014.
Come out to the Fall Fair Building and help us wrap up the 2014 Nicola Valley Fall Fair and Rodeo Weekend NICOLA VALLEY FALL FAIR
COUNTRY DANCE Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014: 8:30 pm to 1 am
$!.#% 4(% .)'(4 !7!9
FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE 250-378-7270 OR 250-378-9929
Canadian Rodeo Finals, 1913, Busisnessmens Calf Dressing, 56th, Whiskey Jane, Ty Pozzobon, tractor, 8 seconds, piggin’ string.
REPLY COUPON NAME: ______________________________ ADRESS: ____________________________ ______________________________________ PHONE NUMBER: _____________________ RULES: Complete the sentences found in each ad by matching a possible answer provided, with the incomplete sentence. Drop your entry form off at the Merritt Herald, 2090 Granite Ave. before 5 p.m., Thursday Sept. 4. Winner will be drawn 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 2014. Employees and family members of the Merritt Herald are not eligible for this contest. DON’T DELAY, FILL IT OUT...DROP IT OFF FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $50!
4
What event is new to the Rodeo this year?
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9.
______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________
7
Who will be playing in the Rodeo Beer Gardens Saturday night? COPPER VALLEY MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS LTD.
Store Hours 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM 7 Days a week
2760 Forksdale Rd.
5
______________ ______________ ________________ ________________
The Copper Valley Man
Extra Foods Merritt
iagnosis
250-378-1841
NV Pro Rodeo is celebrating their______ year.
Plumbing, Heating, Propane Services, & Air Conditioning
s #/54,%% !6%
8
Competing cowboys and cowgirls are fighting for a postion at the_______.
Coyote Collision
For F An An Animal Lovers L
Baking Contest, Commercial Booths, Tractor, Old Car & Farm Equipment Displays.
POSSIBLE ANSWERS :
who care about your car.
250-378-2929
Private Insurance Claims Accepted
check Come d down and che eck out h & August 31st all the exhibits on August 30th
s D se s N or n BA H i o E ild ig LIV & W b W y o nd J R Ra h D it w
Weekend Don’t Miss Rodeo Merritt Centennials Pancake Breakfast
FLOWERS
Sc r s oo om t y e our hi gh boo -p ts o w on er do pa w rty n in ’!
One of the larger sections in the fair is the children’s category. “It’s amazing to see the stuff that the kids put in,� Reimer said. The fair also sees its fair share of newcomers each year. Last year’s event saw an unprecedented increase in entries, Reimer told the Herald, with approximately 3,000 entries in 2013 compared to the 1,500 entries in 2012. Returning this year are the dog show on Sunday and the
WIN $50!
#IG? =B?=E ION ;FF I@ IOL ?RBC<CNM ;N NB? .6 &;FF &;CL
New categories sure to please at fall fair From Page 1
39th ANNUAL FALL FAIR
fo
Some of the big names to watch on Saturday and Sunday are this year’s Calgary Stampede winner Scott Schiffner versus topranked Tyler Thomsen in the bull riding, Lee Rombough (number one in tie down roping), brothers Curtis and Cody Cassidy (ranked one and two in steer wrestling), Tara Muldoon (ranked second in ladies barrel racing), and Ky Marshall (ranked second in bareback). There’ll be a few local cowboys and cowgirls to cheer on in the featured events, too, with Jorry Holmes in bull riding and Katie Garthwaite and Allie Thompson in ladies barrel racing. Whenever there’s a break in the action inside the arena, you can bet it’ll be local Get Down Rodeo Clown Jayson Charters who’ll be entertaining the audience and delighting the little ones with his hilarious antics, outrageous costumes and frenetic dancing. Got room for more entertainment? Be sure to get to your seats early, as the rodeo kicks off each day with a brand new event — the businessmen’s calf dressing. Three-person teams representing local businesses and organizations will have the unenviable task of trying to get a handle on a rambunctious calf and then adorn it with a fancy pair of underpants. It
PLAY THIS RODEO/FALL FAIR TRIVIA AND
Nicola Valley Fall Fair Association presents the
2338 Nicola Ave. 250-378-2030
3
Each year there is an old _____ and old car show at the fair grounds.
Serving the Nicola Valley since 1960. 1301 Nicola Ave. 250-378-5121
6
Tie-down ropers use a _____ to tie the calf’s three legs.
www.marios-towing.com
( (250) (250 378-9241
2676 Nicola Avenue - Toll Free: 1-888-292-1581
9
This two-day fall fair has been running since_______.
NICOLA VALLEY RADIATOR Big or small we ďŹ x them all!
No heat? Whatever your ttaste, t whatever h t your adventure, d t tth the Cit City off M Merritt offers a blend of country fun, an urban life-style, and outdoor adventure. Located at the heart of the Coquilhalla Highway and gateway to BC’s interior is the City of Merritt.
PROUD SPONSORS OF THE NICOLA VALLEY PRO RODEO
Try Flushing BEFORE REPLACING
s ! # COOLANT FLUSHING s &ULL SERVICE REPAIR OF AIR CONDITIONING UNITS s 2ECORE 2EPAIR RADIATORS
2775 Marian Avenue, Merritt
Proudly Supported by
RODEO
8 am - 9 pm DAILY
s #USTOM BUILT RADIATORS s (EATER CORES NEW AND RECORE s &LUSHING POWER
250-378-1366
C
VA L L
E Y
N
I
O
L A
P
56
th
Annual Pro Rodeo
39th Nicola Valley
FALL FAIR & RODEO
SATURDAY, AUG. 30 & SUNDAY, AUG. 31
R
O
E R O D
O
Get'er Done
GATES OPEN: 4 PM PERFO PERFORMANCES: 5 PM
Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo celebrates 56 years Fall fair preserves agricultural traditions
GATES OPEN: NOON PERFORMANCES: 1 PM
By Ian Webster
BUSINESSMEN’S CALF DRESSING
Saturday - 5 pm & Sunday - 1 pm at the Rodeo Grounds Come watch local business people try to wrestle a calf and dress it in underwear. A little friendly competition - with the winners donating the winnings to a local charity of their choice.
D;M
A?:I 9EHD;H Come down early and let the kids burn off some energy with our
D;M
THE HERALD
sports@merrittherald.com
WHO WILL WIN
CALCUTTA AUCTION to be held on
C[Y^Wd_YWb 8kbb FRIDAY, AUG. 29 - 7 PM C[Y^Wd_YWb Ikh\ 8eWhZ AT THE GRAND PUB AND GRILL 8ekdYo 9Wijb[ WINNER WILL TAKE HOME THE POT ] <WY[ FW_dj_d] AND HELP OUT A LOCAL CHARITY HWdY^ >WdZ IWZZb[ 8hedY 9ecf[j_j_ed 9^_bZh[d½i I^e[ IYhWcXb[
FAIRWAY PL.
BIRCH AVE. D.
Y ST.
LANGLEY
GARCIA
GRIEG ST.
RIVER
ST.
BY ST.
PARCEL ST.
VOGHT ST.
AN
CHESTNUT AVE. MID
LI NDL EY C RE EK R
CL
CHESTNUT LANE
VE. FIR A
HILL ST.
N ST.
RODEO GROUNDS
HAMIL TON
MORRISLE
ASPE
Tickets available at the gate, CASH ONLY: 10 & under FREE, Students & Seniors - $12, Adults - $15 For group tickets phone Elaine Gill at 250-378-6827 or Brent Kynoch at 250-378-5741
THANK YOU TO OUR CHUTE SPONSORS:
In each of its hundred-plus years, the Nicola Valley Fall Fair has showcased arts and crafts, baking, home-grown fruits and vegetables, and canned goods. Above, revellers enjoy the third annual fall fair in this 1913 Herald archive photo.
By Michael Potestio THE HERALD
reporter@merrittherald.com
RIP-ROARIN’ ACTION Saddle bronc (above) is just one of several exciting roughstock events at the annual Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo. Ian Webster/Herald
will be wanting to put on a good show in front of a hometown audience against their rivals from other ranches throughout the southern Interior. To encourage young and old alike to come out and enjoy the rodeo, the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo has a new ticket price structure with adults at $15, students and seniors $12 and all children 10 and under absolutely free! Once again this year, the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo has attracted some of the best professional rodeo competitors in the business. Everyone’s trying to earn those precious points that will earn them a spot at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton in October.
See ‘Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo’ Page 2
What’s old is new again at the Nicola Valley Fall Fair. Just as the harvest season renews itself every year, this century-old tradition renews the culture of rural life in today’s technology-driven world. The fall fair will see plenty of fruits, vegetables, wines, baked and canned goods along with arts, crafts and photography on display — not to mention an assortment of animals — all ready to be judged and earn a coveted fall fair ribbon. Fair convener and treasurer Kathy Reimer said educating people about the old rural ways of life is the
fair’s goal. Recipes and information cards explaining facts such as how many tomatoes an acre of land can yield are on hand at the fall fair, Reimer said. “We try to have things that teach people, educate, and try to encourage them to get back interested in agriculture,” she said. Reimer pointed out that back in the old days, people did things such as canning out of necessity. “Not everybody had a fridge or freezer,” she said. The fall fair and the culture it showcases has over a century of history in the Nicola Valley. It was a warm, balmy Wednesday afternoon in Collettville when the first annual
Nicola Valley Fall Fair was held in September of 1910. A story from the Merritt Herald titled First Fall Fair A Healthy Kid described the inaugural event. “The long tables in the exhibition building were decorated attractively with the numerous fine displays from the orchard, the garden, the field and the dairy. The departments of education, fancy work, fine arts, domestic science, etc., were all well represented.” Reimer, who has over 30 years of experience with the fall fair, said she sees many familiar faces among those who come to check out what the fair has to offer.
See ‘New categories’ Page 2
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Merritt’s own Jayson Charters
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YOUR MAP TO THE NICOLA VALLEY RODEO GROUNDS!
The 56th edition of the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo on the Labour Day weekend in Merritt promises to be one of the best ever with a few new twists added to an always spectacular display of skill, courage and horsemanship by some of the best cowboys and cowgirls on the planet. This year sees one of the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo’s two performances move to the late afternoon/evening, with a 5 p.m. start time on Saturday. “We just thought that it might be a great idea,” NVPRA spokesperson Allie Thompson said. “Maybe it’ll attract some additional people who maybe can’t make it in the afternoon.” There’ll be a beer garden on site for both days of the rodeo, but Saturday’s evening performance will have live entertainment in the garden from renowned Canadian recording artists Whiskey Jane. “We’re hoping that a lot of the adults in the crowd will decide to stick around after the rodeo and enjoy the great music,” Thompson said. Sunday is officially ‘Family Day’ at the rodeo, with the afternoon performance kicking off at 1 p.m. There’ll be special activities for the youngsters, including a mechanical bull and surfboard, a bouncy castle, and a shoe scramble for the wee ones at the intermission. Sunday’s crowd will also be treated to two kids’ rodeo events at the intermission, as the Nicola Valley’s best duke it out in mutton bustin’ (sheep riding) and in peewee barrel racing. Should be a treat! Saturday’s intermission will see the Nicola Valley’s top ranch hands go toe-to-toe in the saddle bronc event. Douglas Lake cowboys
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250-378-4628
Located next to Best-Valu Glass • 2663 GRANITE AVENUE • Located next to Fountain Tire
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