It’s shaping up to be a wild event at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds this Saturday when Miss Rodeo Canada 2019 hopeful Kaylee Billyboy of Williams Lake hosts a Race for the Crown and Williams Lake Derby.
The event, a fundraiser for 2017 Williams Lake Stampede Queen Billyboy, 21, will take place beginning at 1 p.m. and will feature a ‘head honcho’ chicken race, wiener dog races and a horse race. Admission to the Williams Lake Derby will be by donation.
READ MORE: Billyboy running for Miss Rodeo Canada
“We need a few more wiener dog racers, but there’s been awesome challenges between dignitaries to getting involved in this chicken race,” said one of the event organizers, Kimberly Paul.
Paul said the chicken race should be quite a show as all politicians, including the mayor, First Nations chiefs, councillors, dignitaries, higher ups and bosses are being encouraged to participate. The entry fee is $25 per participant.
“We’ll start each person with a chicken and it’s up to that person to follow their chicken across the finish line,” Paul said.
“[Williams Lake Mayor] Walt Cobb was the first paid entry and he’s challenged all other dignitaries to join in.”
Another challenge has been issued by former ?Esdilagh chief Thomas Billyboy to present chiefs and council members of First Nations communities.
In the horse racing event, categories will include open, men’s only, age 40 plus and feature half-mile races.
“For the horse races there will even be betting,” Paul said. “You can bet $1 per square and you get that rider so it should be a lot of fun.”
All proceeds raised will go to Billyboy to help her run for Miss Rodeo Canada.
There will be a dinner and auction following the races at 5 p.m. in the Let ‘R’ Buck Saloon. Tickets for the dinner are $15, or $50 per family, and are available at Margetts Meats and the Station House Gallery.
Dinner tickets must be purchased in advance.
“We have some incredible donations for our auction at the dinner,” Paul said.
READ MORE: Kaylee Billyboy says goodbyes after year as Williams Lake Stampede Queen
Earlier this summer Billyboy announced she would be running for Miss Rodeo Canada 2019 and will be a part of the competition which takes place Oct. 29 to Nov. 4 in Red Deer, Alta., coinciding with the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
“It will be much like the competition in Williams Lake, just more of a step up,” Billyboy said.
At the Miss Rodeo Canada competition competitors take part in public speaking with a prepared speech, answer impromptu questions, read an article out loud that’s provided to them, participate in a fashion show and model clothing provided by sponsors and take part in a horsemanship competition.
There will also be an exam that covers the Canadian rodeo history and current information, Miss Rodeo Canada and Pro Rodeo Association.
Miss Rodeo Canada represents the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and travels to events in the U.S., as well as Canada.
sports@wltribune.com
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