The Williams Lake Blue Fins Swim Club will be splashing into Chimney Lake on Aug. 7 as the club prepares to host the Smoke on the Water Open Water Distance Swim Races.
Race distances include a 750-metre, a 1,500-metre and a 3,000-metre swim.
Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in all three distances in each of the seven age categories, beginning with 12 and under and finishing with 51 and over.
Refreshments will be provided to all participants and volunteers, with awards presentations and draw prizes being held after the last swimmer completes the course.
The races will begin at 9 a.m., starting from the public beach. The race will be safety monitored by canoes and kayaks. Wet suits are permitted as this is a non-sanctioned event.
Entry to the 2011 Smoke on the Water is $30, which includes a high-visibility swim cap and breakfast. Everyone is encouraged to sign up for this fun-filled event.
For more information e-mail bluefins@live.com or call Williams Lake Blue Fins coach Marilyn Haines at 250-392-2987.
Locals earn top finishes at Bella Coola Rodeo
Williams Lake and area cowboys and cowgirls put forth a hats-off performance July 2-3 at the Bella Coola Rodeo, an event sanctioned by the British Columbia Rodeo Association.
Locals competed in various events including bareback riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, junior breakaway roping, ladies barrel racing, junior barrel racing, junior steer riding, team roping, bull riding and pee wee barrel racing.
In tie-down roping, 150 Mile House’s Cody Braaten landed a time of 12.4 seconds for a first-place overall finish. For saddle broncs Garrett Madley of Alexis Creek, riding on Gunny Sack, scored a 77 for first.
In the breakaway roping event, Williams Lake’s Rayell Bremner had the fast time of 3.4 seconds, while Tatla Lake’s Alyson Schuk finished second, just four tenths of a second behind Bremner in 3.8 seconds.
Bremner also finished third in ladies barrel racing with a time of 17.411 seconds, and first in No. 8 team roping with partner Katrina Ilnicki in 11.1 seconds.
For junior breakaway ropers, 150 Mile’s Chad Braaten took second in 12.7 seconds. Junior steer rider Devon Robbins of Alkali Lake finished third, scoring a 65-point ride.
Meanwhile, in team roping, Kamloops’ Aaron Palmer and 150 Mile House’s Myles King combined for a 12.1-second run for first place. Finishing 1.7 seconds back of the win were Cody and Chad Braaten in 13.8 seconds, good enough for second.
Pee wee barrel racer Sydney Schuk of Tatla Lake took first in her category, finishing in 18.733 seconds.
Coming up July 30-31 is the Interlakes Rodeo at Roe Lake, east of 100 Mile House, and the Nemiah Valley Rodeo.
For more information on the B.C. Rodeo Association and scheduled events visit www.rodeobc.com.