Williams Lake Stampede

Established in 1920, the World Famous Williams Lake Stampede is held annually on the Canada Day long weekend at the start of July, and features Canadian Professional Rodeo Association action including bull riding, barrel racing, bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and team roping. The Williams Lake Stampede plays host to many top cowboys and international rodeo competitors from Canada and the United States most of which continue on the circuit to the Calgary Stampede, the following weekend. The Stampede festivities also include a parade of floats from local organizations, such as 4H groups, native bands, community service groups, the stampede royalty and local merchants. The Williams Lake Stampede which originated in 1920, began as a gathering of friends, neighbors and ranchers for the sole purpose of providing some entertainment. It gave the cowboys a place to ride some Broncs and Steers, to rope and race on horseback. Horse owners brought their best horseflesh and held flat races. It was an opportunity to show off the best riding and cowboy skills and the best horses in the Cariboo. Today, the Williams Lake Stampede is a community wide celebration with many local events and things to see and do.