Doig River Rodeo set for August long weekend

ROSE PRAIRIE, B.C. — A rodeo  sporting event will take place on the grounds of Doig River First Nation (DRFN) during the B.C. Day long weekend.

The Doig River Rodeo will start on August 1st, with an estimated total of over $50,000 in cash prizes up for grabs through two, one-day competitions.

Rodeo manager Jodie Surerus-Chapple told Energeticcity.ca the event has existed in some form for over 60 years and added rodeo “is more than just a sport” for the Indigenous community.

“The Doig River Rodeo is an annual highlight for not only our Nation but for many surrounding communities as well,” said Surerus-Chapple. “It’s a celebration of culture, family and tradition. It brings people together in a way that few events can, creating lasting memories for participants and spectators alike.”

Surerus-Chapple added the 2025 event is expected to have among the most competitors in its long history, at 280 total entries.

All traditional rodeo disciplines will be on the schedule, and will include saddle bronc and ladies’ barrel racing as the main events to start at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, preceded by the junior rodeo events at 11 a.m.

The event will start with the gymkhana on Friday, August 1st at 11 a.m. alongside a barbecue lunch. Pole racing, stake racing, an egg and spoon race and more will be on the itinerary.

New this year will be a talent show on Friday night, which Surerus-Chapple said is family-friendly and “sure to be a night full of fun and community spirit.”

“Everyone is welcome to join in and share their talents, whether it’s singing, jigging, storytelling, comedy or something unique,” said Surerus-Chapple. “There are great prizes to be won.”

Free breakfast will happen on Saturday and Sunday, and there will be on-site camping throughout the weekend.

Wild pony and wild bronc races will also be held on the weekend, which Surerus-Chapple said are “quickly becoming regional favourites” and are “high-energy, entertaining and a great way to see the next generation of rodeo stars in action.”

A dance will take place on Saturday night alongside a prime rib dinner.  Tickets are $20 for each event.

The Doig River Rodeo takes place from Friday, August 1st to Sunday, August 3rd at the Doig River Rodeo Grounds at Doig River First Nation.

Tickets start at $15 for a day pass and $5 for a children’s pass from age six to 12. A weekend pass will be available at $25, and all Elders/Seniors and youth under six can attend for free.

For more details, visit the Doig River Rodeo’s Facebook page.