The Williams Lake Stampede Grounds were stuffed to the gills during the weekend when the BC Barrel Racing Association Finals took centre stage in the lakecity.
The four-day event, which began Thursday with a practice day, followed by three more days of fierce competition in open, junior, senior and peewee divisions, saw 274 barrel racers from throughout the province vying for prize money and accolades.
“It was a very successful weekend,” said Karen Yaworski, sponsorship director with the BCBRA.
“Everything went smoothly and the weather was co-operative.”
Winners were determined by their three-day total times — where three clean runs were essential to place in the money.
Bringing home a hefty chunk of cash was the winner in both the open and senior division, Judy Hyde of Prince George. Hyde posted times of 16.157 seconds, 16.127 seconds and 16.212 seconds for a combined total of 48.496.
Her times also carried over to the senior division.
In the junior division it was Cache Creek’s Taylan James claiming the prize money with a three-day total of 49.164 seconds.
And, lastly, Kaitlyn Lulua of Willams Lake was crowned the peewee champion with a three-day time of 51.661 seconds.
Added prize money per division was as follows: open, $25,000; peewee, $750; junior, $1,800; senior, $1,700.
“The BCBRA directors would like to thank all the members for doing a fantastic job in cleaning up the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds,” Yaworski said.
“BCBRA directors and members would also like to thank all sponsors for saddles, buckles, blankets and many other prizes and products to make these finals such a huge success.”
She added BCBRA awards director Sandy Zayachkowski amazed everyone with the beautiful awards to all average winners in all age groups.
“Thanks to the city of Williams Lake for such great hospitality when large events coming into the city.”
It was also announced during the event that Williams Lake will play host to the finals again next year for the fourth consecutive year during the B.C. Day long weekend.