Western Week in 100 Mile House was a huge success this year, as the downtown was busy, especially on the day of the Western Week Parade on May 16 and the days leading up to it.
The downtown business owners really got into the spirit of Western Week by decorating their stores and their staff members helped by dressing up in heritage or western costumes.
There definitely was a buzz on Birch Avenue as children, moms and dads, grandparents and friends and neighbours lined up to cheer on the procession of horses and riders, community organizations, dignitaries, spruced-up cars and western-themed floats.
Local business owner and parade organizer Allan Roberts says he was extremely pleased with the parade and notes the number of people participating and/or just watching the parade doubled last year's turnout.
He notes there were a lot of smiling faces at the event, and several of the stores were busy when the parade was finished.
The goal of Western Week is to recapture 100 Mile House's western heritage and spirit, as well as bringing the community together and promoting local businesses, and that happened in spades this year.
After a couple of years of not having the annual parade, Roberts breathed some life into it last year.
This year, it bubbled with enthusiasm not only from the parade organizers and volunteers, but also from the parade participants and the spectators who were obviously waiting for the resurrection of the popular event.
Work has already started for next year's parade, which will celebrate the 100 Mile & District Outriders Club's 50th Annual Little Britches Rodeo.
The 49th Annual Little Britches Rodeo lived up to its promise of providing some great cowboy and cowgirl action at the Outriders Rodeo Arena behind South Cariboo Rec. Centre.
The youngsters provide great entertainment; they definitely have the cowboy spirit; and some of them will go on to become the rodeo stars of the future.
Some of the little ones who compete at Little Britches rodeos make their way to the High School Rodeo circuit and then on to professional rodeo competitions.
It's disappointing for organizers that this year's event didn't draw the number of spectators they needed to support the event.
Perhaps it was the good weather that prompted some residents to stay home, but, hopefully, the crowds will return next year.
It was also unfortunate, the local annual British Columbia Rodeo Association event didn't go this year because it always draws spectators. A lot of people missed the professional rodeo action.
We tip our hats to all of the businesses, organizers and volunteers involved in making this year's Western Week a huge success
We thank all of the residents who participated in the festivities, and hope you tell your friends and neighbours, so they can enjoy Western Week next year.