Make it nine years and counting for Shannon Claypool, who has been re-elected president of the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association’s executive committee.
Claypool, who was re-elected to the position by the board of directors at the annual general meeting March 8, has held the position for nine years.
“It’s a lot of fun, a lot of hours,” he said.
Other longtime volunteers have also been re-elected to the board: Penny Smythe, will serve as first vice president, Randy Miller has been appointed second vice president, and Gerry Spielmacher was chosen as treasurer.
The association – with more than 300 volunteers and a staff of 11 – puts on the annual Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair each May long weekend, a volunteer-driven event that draws tens of thousands to the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.
“2016 is an incredibly important year for this organization,” Claypool said. “We are celebrating the 70th annual Cloverdale Rodeo, and everyone associated with the event is very excited. We have a number of things planned to mark this important year and we believe that 2016 will go down as the best in our history.”
Rich Kitos, a 29-year Vancouver Police Department member and experienced rodeo competitor, has been elected as a new board member. Kitos is also a Cloverdale Rodeo volunteer.
In addition to Claypool, Smyth, Miller, Spielmacher, and Kitos, the 2016 Cloverdale Rodeo Association board of directors elected earlier this month are: Cathy James, George Siudut, Kelsey Swantson, Bob Nielsen, John Kageorge, Nicole Reader and Surrey Coun. Dave Woods, representing the City of Surrey.
Long time board member Rob Marshall has retired from the board, but plans to stay active within the association.
The 2016 Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is May 20-23.
The association is also responsible for the day-to-day management of the eight facilities on the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, which play host to more than 1,000 events each year, from trade shows and concerts to festivals, sporting events, animals shows, swap meets, flea markets and meetings.
Rodeo pricing
The cost of a 2016 Cloverdale Rodeo performance will be $25 per person, with admission to the Country Fair at $10 a head. Children aged 12 and under are admitted for free, with adult supervision.
Pre-purchase gate admission at London Drugs for $8. For a list of participating locations, visit cloverdalerodeo.com, where you can also pre-purcase tickets to rodeo performances.
Pre-purchase gate admission at London Drugs for $8. All day passes to the midway are available for a discount at select IGA stores. For a list of participating locations, visit cloverdalerodeo.com, where you can also pre-purchase tickets to rodeo performances.
Follow the Cloverdale Reporter on 
Twitter and 
Facebook. View our print edition online.