It’s my favourite weekend of the year again and I hope you’re all excited for the 86th Annual Williams Lake Stampede! It’s such a proud tradition that we all enjoy so much.
It goes without saying that we’re all excited for the rodeo, bull-riding and chuck wagon racing, but how could we forget about the big parade on Saturday, pancake breakfasts on all four days, the Rotary Club Steakout dinners, and entertainment by the Cariboo Cowgirls? Don’t forget the Saturday night entertainment, which includes the Barn Dance at the curling rink. My favourites are always the barrel races and chuck wagon races. It really is four days of family fun with something there for everyone.
We’re especially lucky this year as the rock concert-themed mobile event JobFest will also be at the grounds from June 29 to July 1. JobFest aims to educate youth aged 15-25 about labour market trends and the upcoming career opportunities in our province. Over the next decade, there will be more than one million job openings in B.C., and we want to make sure youth know about these opportunities, and have the skills to fill those positions.
Along with performances by a headliner rock band and local talent, JobFest also offers an engaging exhibition that features presentations and guest speakers, inspiring youth stories, interactive career discovery tools and games, and various information displays. JobFest staff are extremely knowledgeable about the many resources and services that are available for jobseekers in B.C., and are always willing to answer any questions.
This is going to be a great way to help get youth motivated and interested in their futures, and it makes perfect sense to match up the JobFest tour with our very own Stampede!
I really hope to see you all out there. Cariboo residents are known for our warm hospitality and enthusiastic gatherings. Let’s all have a great time, play safe, and show everyone what the Cariboo-Chilcotin is all about! Happy Stampede!
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for the Cariboo-Chilcotin.