Hudson’s Hope Rodeo seeks volunteers for upcoming event

HUDSON’S HOPE, B.C.  — The Hudson’s Hope Rodeo, a storied northeast B.C. tradition, will continue this weekend.

Known locally as ‘the greatest little rodeo in the world,’ the rodeo takes place on July 26th and 27th, with up to $1,500 in cash prizes in some events per day.

The event has existed in some form since 1958, and was recently revived in 2023 after a 15-year hiatus, according to Shona Smit, the vice-president of the rodeo committee.

“[Popularity] has surged up quite a bit,” said Smit. “It’s blown us out of the water, just how much it’s taken off. This year was certainly easier to find more funding.”

Various events will be taking place, including bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, steer wrestling, ladies’ barrel racing, team roping, breakaway open roping, tie down roping and ranch bronc.

There will also be youth events for kids as well as U-12 and U-16 divisions, including steer riding, breakaway junior calf roping, junior barrel racing and more.

Registration was initially slated to end on Friday, July 18th but were left open in two events, ranch bronc and saddle bronc, due to less-than-expected registration.  

“[We] kept them open for another couple of days just to try and get a few more [entries],” said Smit, who added the event already has 245 participants.

Smit says there will be food vendors as well as a beer garden at the event, with the latter sponsored by Canadian Brewhouse. 

Additional sponsors of the event include P and L Ventures, Smith Fuel Services, Peace Quest Contracting, Surerus Murphy Joint Venture, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Pacific Canbriam Energy, Peace River Building Products, Arc Resources, H.D. Services, Northern Outlaw Services, the Charlie Lake General Store, Butler Ridge Energy Services, Longhorn Oilfield Services, Big League Utilities and the Fort St. John Co-op.

Smit says ticket prices aim to keep the rodeo a family-friendly event. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children aged six to 12, with free admission for youngsters five and under. Additionally, a weekend pass is $25 and all tickets are available at the event gates.

“[It’s a] great day for the family to come out,” said Smit.

The event will be capped off by a performance from Darion Wray, a local artist, on Saturday evening. Admission for the dancing will be $20.

“He rocked the dance hall last year and was absolutely phenomenal,” said Smit. “It was a fantastic atmosphere last year.”

However, Smit does admit the event does need a few volunteers to help coordinate parking at the ticket booth and groundskeeping.

The event takes place on July 26th and 27th at the Hudson’s Hope Rodeo Grounds at 9505 Taylor Avenue in Hudson’s Hope.

Further details and how to volunteer can be found by visiting the Hudson Hope Rodeo’s Facebook page.