NVRA Memberships, Roping Nights & Open Riding Info

NVRA is pleased to host open riding at our arena. Click the "more info" link below for times and prices. Sadly we were unable to set up our regular weekly roping in 2022, but are working on scheduling some special fun evenings for 2023. Check back here for updates and join our Facebook group "Merritt Rodeo Grounds Events and Practices" here to stay current.

Little Britches Rodeo

Another annual event that gives cowboys and cowgirls of the future a chance to develop their skills in competition against others in their age group. This is a family oriented sport that benefits these young competitors in several ways including the responsibility they learn through caring for their animals, as well as the respect, camaraderie and sportsmanship they gain as competitors. Admission is free.

BC Cutting Horse shows

Cutting shows are coming to Merritt! Cutting is a judged event where a horse and rider must demonstrate their skill by separating a single cow from a herd and keep it from returning. For a timed 2.5 minutes the team of rider and horse must demonstrate the natural ability of a cow horse to track and read that cow to prevent it from returning to the herd. Cutting has turned into a competitive sport that originated from ranching.

Rendevouz 2023: BC Back Country Horsemen Society

The annual gathering and AGM for members of this organization. BCHBC provides equestrians who are interested in trail riding and the back country with a safe and social learning atmosphere where people of all ages can enjoy trail riding and the wilderness experience.

Nicola Valley Kennel Club DOG SHOW

This is an all breed conformation dog show and has been a part of Merritt events for over 40 years. Now grown to 4 days, the show promises to be bigger and better than ever. Held for many years in Voght park, this is the second year we have hosted the club at the rodeo grounds. Spectators are welcome, concession will be open and admission is free!

Canadian Bluemoon Elvis Festival

This great little music festival pays tribute to one of the world’s best entertainers, Elvis Presley, with a shout out to other greats as well, this year featuring Shania Twain. This is a charity weekend event that will raise funds for the B.C. Wounded Warriors/First Responders Foundation. Come and enjoy a terrific line up of talented performers all weekend long. 

Nicola Valley Ranch Rodeo

This event kicks off rodeo week in Merritt and there was a great turnout in 2022, both for teams and spectators. A ranch rodeo is a traditional type of rodeo in which teams of cowboys (and cowgirls) from different ranches compete against each other in events based on the type of work they do every day. Come on out and cheer for our local ranch teams - admission is free! Concession and beer garden will be open. 

63nd Annual Pro Rodeo

Planning is underway for the 2023 rodeo! The 2022 event was a great success, enjoyed by record crowds. Thank you to our generous sponsors and volunteers for making it possible and a HUGE thank you to everyone that attended. You all helped to make a great weekend happen!SEE YOU NEXT TIME