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Cloverdale's saddling up for the Rodeo

From a Party on the Hill to the Cloverdale Rodeo Parade, there’s lots going on in the historic downtown – and beyond.
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Horses

Rodeo Days

The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair runs from May 18 to 21, but everyone in Cloverdale knows the party begins a whole lot earlier than that.

Whether it’s dressing up storefront windows with a Western theme weeks in advance or donning your best pair of cowboy boots and Wranglers, Cloverdale businesses and residents alike love to show their Rodeo spirit.

Cloverdale Rodeo Days features a number of pre-Rodeo events organized by the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce and the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association, along with local businesses.

Party on the Hill

Can’t wait to get your Rodeo on? Drop by the Pre-Rodeo Party on the Hill this Saturday at Hillcrest Village and Clayton Crossing shopping centres (188 Street and Fraser Highway).

This is the event’s second year, and it runs May 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Activities include a barbecue along with live music by two local bands, Under Fire and Appaloosa.

There’s plenty of fun planned for the kids, including four bouncy castles, face painting, a petting zoo, balloon artists, a colouring contest, kid games, and more.

Please remember to bring along non-perishable food items for the Cloverdale Food Bank.

 

Decorated Bike Contest

There are some really awesome prizes up for grabs (brand new bikes awarded by random draw) in the Kids Decorated Bike Contest, which happens at 5:40 p.m. Thursday, May 17, just before the Bed Races. Creativity, colour and fun are all important considerations. It’s free to enter, but helmets are mandatory.

It’s open to children in three categories: ages 5 and under, ages 6-10, and 11 and up.

The entrants all take part in a parade, located at 57A Avenue and 176A Street, beside Cloverdale Pharmasave.

This year there will be a short demo by participants in the World Round-up Freestyle Skateboard Competition, featured at this year’s Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair.

For more information email clovecham@axion.net, or call 604-574-9802.

 

Off to the Bed Races

The 35th annual Cloverdale Bed Races get underway next Thursday in the 5700-block of 176A Street.  Presented by the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce.

Teams consist of six pushers – three in each direction – plus one rider. Men’s teams have six men and a female rider, and Ladies’ teams have six women and one male rider. There’s also a media/hospitality division, with can be mixed, but must include at least one female pusher.

These days, throwing objects at spectators will get competitors disqualified. This Friday, May 11, is the cut off for race entries.

You can use your own bed, and not share with another team, but it will cost you $10 more to enter the race. (Teams without a bed can still enter).

 

Chili Cook Off

Cloverdalians are known for many things – their friendliness, hospitality and down home charm. They can also serve up a mean batch of chili.

Don’t believe it? Head on over to Clover Square Village next Friday for the 15th annual Rodeo Days Chili Cook off. It’s happening May 18 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

http://raven.b-it.ca/portals/uploads/cloverdale/.DIR288/wFraserDownsBackStretchBanananza.jpgDozens of local businesses and community groups participate, serving up some truly delicious chili, complete with that trademark Cloverdale hospitality, making it one of the best-loved (and best attended) community events of the year. Can you say “Free chili”?

But be sure to get there early, before the chili runs out, and it will.

There’s also live entertainment with performers from the B.C. Junior Talent Showcase, plus a demonstration by the World Round-Up Freestyle Skateboarders.

For information call the Cloverdale Chamber at 604-574-9802 or the Cloverdale BIA at 604-576-3155.

Cloverdale on parade

The 66th annual Cloverdale Rodeo Parade continues a proud and rich tradition in the historic town centre.

The parade starts at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 19. The list of participants is long, with more than 80 entries representing 1,200 participants, from the Gizeh Shrine, to various horse-related groups and performers, including Shetland pony-drawn wagons, along with floats, antique cars, fire trucks, marching bands, clowns and dignitaries, including Dora the Explorer, Dinotown Live stars and Shell Busy.

There will be live entertainment featuring Underfire at Hawthorne Square, plus the legendary Cloverdale Legion pancake breakfast, and barbecue.

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