This weekend, there’s plenty of rodeo-related events planned in the historic town centre.
Thursday night, it’s the Kids Decorated Bike Contest and the 35th annual Cloverdale Bed Races, from 5:40 p.m. to 8 p.m. on 176A Street, between 57 and 58 Avenues.
Starting at 7 p.m., the Cloverdale Legion (Branch 6) hosts its annual tricycle races (ages 19 and up), followed by live music featuring the Brent Lee Band. Branch 6 also hosts its famous Rodeo pancake breakfasts Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, running 8 to 11:30 a.m. every day but Saturday, when the griddle will be sizzling from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Not to be outdone by breakfast, the branch also serves up a rodeo steak barbecue Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 6 p.m.
Speaking of food, head on over to Clover Square Village for the 15th Annual Chili Cook-off, Friday, May 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Winners are determined by the voting public, who are invited to sample each recipe. Be sure to get there early – the chili has a habit of running out. The event will also feature the BC Jr. Talent Search Showcase, and much more.
Saturday is the 66th annual Cloverdale Rodeo Parade, starting at 10 a.m. May 19.
“The entries are strong,” says organizer Paul Orazietti, executive director of the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association.
He notes this year more cities have entered floats in the popular parade, including Kelowna.
Horses are always a favourite attraction at the parade, and this year is no exception. The Pacific Northwest Ponies from Ferndale, WA features a miniature chuck wagon and chariots pulled by teams of ponies.
Also watch for vintage cars, dancers, marching bands, community groups, fire trucks, clowns and dignitaries, including Dora the Explorer, Dinotown Live stars and Shell Busey.
Don’t miss the live entertainment by Underfire at Hawthorne Square, plus the Cloverdale Lions parade pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Be sure to stake out a spot early. The parade draws upwards of 10,000 spectators each year.
The parade route starts on Highway 10 at 177B Street heading west. It heads north on 176 Street from Highway 10 to 58A Avenue, where it takes a short jog east to 176A Street and continues north to 60th Avenue. The parade continues eastward along 60 Avenue to 177B Street, where it turns south to the end of the route at 58 Avenue.
For more information on any of these events, please visit www.cloverdalebia.com or www.cloverdale.bc.ca.Follow the Cloverdale Reporter on 
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