The rodeo grounds and venue were built and, for more than half a century, have been run by the Nicola Valley Rodeo Association. The grassland expanses of the Nicola Valley are home to some of British Columbia’s oldest ranches. They and five First Nations communities centered around the Merritt community form the foundation of the ranching and rodeo heritage of the Nicola Valley.
This legacy continues every year with the signature event, the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo, on the September long weekend.
Throughout the rest of the year, the Rodeo Grounds host a wide range of events including ranch rodeos, youth rodeos, barrel racing, other equestrian events and clinics.
Image I29166 courtesy of the Royal BC Museum and Archives
Photo credit to Mark Steffens: Fotoguy Photography.
2023 Western Heritage Honourees - Cooks & Cowboys
Monica Coutlee
Linda McKenzie
Barry Wallace
Howie Holmes
When you’ve used up all your tomorrowsCause you used your last one todayYou’re wondering where the years have goneand if you’ve watched your youth pass away
Remember
There’s every horse that cracked the gatewho wore the YL brandAnd every kid that held the reinsthat tried to make a hand
There are bronc riders, contractors and cowmenall gathered here todayTo stand up and recognize the contributionsYou have made
You’ve got the ghost of Jason Coutlee and Woodward’s right hand manDave Perry and Mike Ferguson standing upwith hat in hand
And there’re those to come in the futureto ride for the outfit brandsAll standing and applauding you for carving this great cow land
There are few in this life that can speak very loudYet not having said a wordAnd pass on to others the code of the westCause their actions spoke louder than words
So thanks for this code that you taught us to live by day to dayAnd this is our way to say thanks for the teachingAnd preserving the cowboy way