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Planning underway for third annual Logan Parent Memorial Bulls and Barrels

The third annual Logan Parent Memorial Bulls and Barrels is set to take place on Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22.

The third annual Logan Parent Memorial Bulls and Barrels is set to take place on Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22. 

Held in memory of 100 Mile House bull rider Logan Parent, who lost his life to suicide in 2020, the event is intended to raise money for the Logan Parent Memorial Foundation and its mission to raise awareness about the health consequences of concussions. Cindy Parent, Logan's mother and one of the directors for the foundation, said she is hoping the entire community comes out again to support them.

"We have so many of the same volunteers returning, which we truly appreciate. Many of them are Logan's friends but then we have many people who never met Logan and just want to be a part of it. It's turning into a really good time," Cindy said. "It's kind of crazy but it takes on a life of its own. More and more people want to join us and we have to reach out less. 

As in previous years the gates will open at 5:30 p.m. with the rodeo getting underway at 6:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students, with a weekend pass costing $35 for adults and $25 for seniors and students. 

Dave Atkinson, one of the foundation's directors, said that his company Diamond D Bulls and C+ Rodeos will provide the stock for the rodeo. They plan to bring a mix of younger bulls and veteran bulls, with bull riders getting the chance to ride a junior bull in the first round to warm up and then a more experienced bull in the second.  

"I'd like to say you're going to see some good bull riding but you're probably going to see some really hard buck-offs. There's going to be two really good bullfighters out there in Cordell Pinchbeck and Cody Call," Atkinson said. "Those guys are going to have their work cut out for them because even some of the young bulls we're bringing are hot, mean and want to run everybody over. With the calibre of guys we've got (coming) we should have some really good matchups." 

They also plan to have a mini-bull event with around six children set to take part, with Atkinson's own son Rhett bullfighting. Prior to the rodeo on Friday, starting at noon, Atkinson said the barrel racers will be holding their qualifying runs. When the rodeo gets underway the best of the best will be competing. 

"People mark their calendars and plan to come every year," Atkinson said. "It helps we have a good rodeo announcer in Tyson Peach and we have good stock. It's a really cool event, it is my favourite rodeo of the year to go to." 

In between bull riding and barrel racing, Cindy has invited Bert Davis the Coppertown Clown to perform. Davis has a whacky sense of humour and performs his show with a pack of trained dogs and is sure to delight South Cariboo audiences. 

Cindy said this year they’re adding a dance on Friday night at the rodeo grounds starting at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for this 19-plus event with the Hard Buck Band performing. Proceeds from the dance will be split between the foundation and the 100 Mile Outriders, who are in the midst of upgrading the arena the event takes place in. 

Sienna Parent, Logan's sister and another board member, said they will have some photographers coming to the event to take pictures of the bull riding and barrel racing. They also plan to have a small vendor area with a local jeweller, some food trucks and a stand selling some Logan Parent Foundation merchandise. 

"Last year I found it really overwhelming when I was standing in the announcer's booth and welcoming everybody and seeing so many of Logan's sweatshirts out there. It's cool people want to come out and support the cause, not just to remember Logan," Cindy said. "We're hopefully going to make a difference." 

This year Cindy is excited to be hosting two members of the Concussion Legacy Foundation at the rodeo. The CLF was founded in 2007 to research the impacts of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, a disease that develops due to brain damage caused by concussions. In recent years CTE has been found to cause memory problems, mood swings and even lead to suicidality. 

Back in February Cindy and Sienna met with the CLF's CEO and co-founder Chris Nowinski while attending an event that connected families who have lost family members to concussions or CTE in Las Vegas. Cindy said the CLF has offered to help spread Logan's story and bring their foundation under their umbrella. 

"It gives us a lot more resources and contact with people doing the research (into CTE)," Sienna said. "We're trying to raise awareness but we can only deal with what we know. The CLF are the people actually examining brains for CTE and doing research. So we'll be able to bring education physicians in 100 Mile, one day, and make a bigger impact with knowledge." 

A CLF Information Session will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the rodeo grounds for those wanting to learn more about the organization. 

Anyone looking to take part in the event as a competitor can still sign up until June 17 by contacting Sienna at 250-644-2984. 



Patrick Davies

About the Author: Patrick Davies

An avid lover of theatre, media, and the arts in all its forms, I've enjoyed building my professional reputation in 100 Mile House.
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