The Williams Lake Stampede got underway last week with the crowning of Cheleigh Sand as this year’s Williams Lake Stampede Queen.
For me, that’s when the Stampede starts and it keeps going right through to Monday evening — a day of rest for some on Tuesday, then Canada Day celebrations at Boitanio Park.
The 89th Williams Lake Stampede is a time to show off our community to the many thousands who will visit this year, and to those in our fine city make sure you welcome those attending the celebrations.
A nice “howdy folks” would be a good way to start.
Good things happen in a visitor’s brain when people go out of their way to make them welcome.
They think that this must be a good community because it is so friendly.
There are other events happening during Stampede Weekend that also bring folks to the lakecity.
Williams Lake is the home of the ‘Downtown Country,’ a label that indicates the country roots along with our progressive community.
Our country heritage comes to root with the Stampede this weekend when top notch rodeo competitors from around the world try for big prize money.
Talk to our business people, many who have contributed to the Stampede, talk to the Chamber of Commerce and many of our citizens, talk to our Mayor Walt Cobb and they will tell you we are a community on the move.
I hope you take in the Stampede and activities this year.
Stampede President Fred Thomas would like to see the attendance record broken from the high of last year.
We may have the hottest weather for a Stampede in some years.
Don’t forget the July First Canada Day activities at the park.
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Congratulations to Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price.
The 27 year old from the Chilcotin is the first goalie ever to win the Hart Trophy as the NHL most valuable player, the Vezina Trophy for the best goaltender, and the Ted Lindsay Award for the most outstanding player as voted by the players in one evening as the NHL Awards were handed out Wednesday evening in Las Vegas.
Price was quoted as saying: “I am blessed to do what I do.”
Ken Wilson is a freelance columnist with the Tribune/Weekend Advisor.