The BC Barrel Racers Provincial Finals will ride into the lakecity this Labour Day weekend for the third time in the event’s existence.
More than 300 entrants with a prize pool of roughly $100,000 will be at stake during the event, which will be held Sept. 4-6 at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds.
The BCBRPF was first held in Williams Lake in 2010, then returned for a stint in 2014.
To have the event back again in the lakecity is a big deal, said BC Barrel Racers Association sponsorship director, Karen Yaworski.
“I think it’s very big for Williams Lake for the size of our town,” Yaworski said. “It will bring in a lot of people. And, we’ve got the facility to do it. Working with the Williams Lake Stampede Association is great for our wants and needs.”
Bridget Rosette, the BCBRA northern director, said the BCBRPF will follow a 4D barrel racing format in order to offer a racing event that offers options for every family member of all levels of knowledge, skill and financial background.
In 2014 the youngest member was four, while the oldest was 72.
“4D allows a bigger spread for people to get a cheque,” Rosette said. “We’ll also have day buckles for overall winners and fastest time and saddles, buckles and blankets for awards.”
The event is free of charge to spectate and the infield concession will be open at the Stampede Grounds.
On Friday, Sept. 4, the event gets underway at 9 a.m. with the open race division, then pee wee racing, junior racing and senior racing. At 7 p.m. the BCBRA annual general meeting will take place at the Trail Riders Arena.
Saturday, Sept. 5, racing also starts at 9 a.m. featuring open races, junior races, pee wee races (second go), senior races and more pee wee races (third go).
A two-hour social will take place after the last run, followed by the pee wee awards presentation.
Then on Sunday, Sept. 6, start time is 7:30 a.m. with open races, junior races and seniors races.
The awards presentation will follow at the Trail Riders Arena.
Yaworski noted a big thanks is in order for all of the event’s sponsors for helping out with awards.
For more on the BCBRA visit its website at www.bcbra.com.