Celebrate Jeffrey Metecheah’s legacy at Halfway River Rodeo

HALFWAY RIVER, B.C. — The final jewel in the North Peace Rodeo series will kick off starting Friday, August 16th.

According to event secretary Lynn Peck, the Halfway River Valley Rodeo Roundup began two decades ago on the grounds of Halfway River First Nation (HRFN).

Peck said those who created the rodeo had a vision to bring an incredible event to the Halfway River Valley, and minus the COVID pandemic, it’s been running “smoothly” since then.

“I was there too,” said Peck.  “It’s been a very family-oriented event, and it has been the place to go since then.”

The catalyst behind many of the annual gatherings at the Halfway River Rodeo grounds, was founder Bernie Metecheah’s nephew, Jeffrey.

Jeffrey passed away earlier this year, and the organizing committee considered several ways to honour his legacy to the event and the members of Halfway River First Nation.

Included in the festivities will be a gala held at the Pomeroy Hotel and Casino in Fort St. John on Friday evening. 

The event will feature a silent auction, dinner and dance for guests, starting at 7 p.m, when the doors open.

Dinner will follow at 8 p.m, with the dance starting at 10 p.m.

Gala organizer Kendall Hunter said that Saturday’s rodeo event will “showcase will showcase and share his passion for the halfway river rodeo”  the entry on Saturday afternoon.

Rodeo festivities will begin on Friday morning, with a Gymkhana starting at 9 a.m.  Registration for the event will begin at 8  a.m.

An American Bucking Bull (ABBI) event will follow the Gymkhana, beginning at 1 p.m., featuring bulls’ speed and athleticism, with judges basing their scores on their ability to buck after an instrument has been strapped on their back.

Prize money for rodeo events, such as saddle bronc and bull riding, bareback and steer wrestling, will range from $1000 to $3000 for the winners per day.

New this year will be ladies’ barrel racing, which Peck says will attract racers from all over Western Canada.  Purses for top prize in the barrel racing event will be upwards of $5000 per day.

The barrel races will pay homage to Jeffrey’s mother, Maizie, who passed away last fall.

Both Saturday and Sunday will feature junior events beginning at 11 a.m., with main events commencing at 2 p.m. on both days.

Youngsters 12 and under can compete in mini bareback riding, junior steers and open cow riding with prizes ranging from $100 to $500 each day.

Admission to enter the event is $25 for the weekend, $15 for a daily pass, and children from six to 12 years are $5.

Elders and Children under five years are free.

The rodeo is the final event in the Peace Rodeo Series, which features both the Doig River Rodeo and Hudson’s Hope Rodeo.

Further details about the event can be found on the Halfway River Rodeo’s Facebook page and website.