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CASUAL COUNTRY: Lorne Doerkson recognized as Stampede volunteer of the year

Lorne Doerkson is passionate about the Williams Lake Stampede
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Longtime Williams Lake Stampede Association volunteer and former director Lorne Doerkson has been recognized as this year’s WLSA volunteer of the year. (Greg Sabatino photo)

Lorne Doerkson is passionate about the Williams Lake Stampede, and is humbled by being recognized as this year’s Volunteer of the Year for the Williams Lake Stampede Association.

The longtime volunteer and past Williams Lake Stampede Association director isn’t quite sure exactly when he threw his hat in the ring to help organize and get things ready for the lakecity’s biggest annual spectacle, but knows it’s been nothing but an enjoyable ride.

“I’ve seen our volunteers and how hard they all work,” Doerkson said. “There are probably dozens who deserve it more than me, in my opinion, but it’s quite an honour to be picked out of that group.”

Doerkson was born in New Westminster, but grew up in Salmon Arm. He arrived in Williams Lake around 2005 to take over the position as publisher at the Williams Lake Tribune after working in the newspaper business in Salmon Arm, 100 Mile House and Prince George.

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A bareback rider in the BC Rodeo Association in his formative years, it didn’t take Doerkson long to discover the family-like, welcoming atmosphere among those involved with organizing the Stampede.

“I love the rodeo,” he said. “I’m passionate about it, and I got pretty heavily involved right away when I came back here. I thought: ‘This is one of the biggest rodeos in Canada and I really want to be a part of it.’”

After working as a director with the WLSA for several years, Doerkson, under the tutelage of then Stampede Director Daryl Williamson and volunteer John Bullock, found his current ‘favourite thing to do during Stampede weekend’ among the hordes of rodeo fans looking to have a good time at the Let ‘R Buck Saloon following the daily rodeo action.

Williamson quickly showed Doerkson the ropes behind the bar at the Let ‘R Buck — and Doerkson has been a mainstay at the local watering hole annually ensuring everything runs smoothly as upwards of 1,500 people go through the gates each night.

Doerkson said while he is ‘second in command’ at the Let ‘R Buck behind WLSA director Cindy Brady, the pair both do their best to make sure everyone has a safe, fun weekend.

“The best thing about being up there at the Let ‘R Buck is it’s the gathering spot of the Cariboo,” Doerkson said. “You see 1,000s of people come through there on the weekend. The entertainment is second to none and that continues today. ”

Asked what he enjoys most about Williams Lake Stampede weekend, Doerkson said it’s by far the people, and the level of competition on display at the rodeo.

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“I like seeing old friends and the local people, the level of competition we have,” he said.

“This is the pinnacle of the sport and it happens right here in our little city. It’s incredible to watch how it’s grown by way of visitors to the Stampede Park, whether it’s at the campground, all the log work done around the grounds, you name it — it’s staggering.”

Doerkson credits the success, and the growth, of the Stampede to the hundreds of residents and volunteers who pour their hearts and souls into the event each year.

“Without question we have one of the nicest parks for this sport in all of B.C.,” he said. “And that’s thanks to everybody who volunteers.”



Greg Sabatino

About the Author: Greg Sabatino

Greg Sabatino graduated from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops with a Bachelor of Journalism degree in 2008.
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