May long weekend rodeos in Okanagan cancelled, postponed

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on the rodeo world, including the Okanagan.

May long weekend rodeos in Keremeos and Falkland are the latest in an increasingly long list of summer events that are either postponed or cancelled this year as provincial health restrictions limit crowd numbers and proximity to others.

The announcements from the early season rodeos in the Okanagan come just weeks after the Calgary Stampede announced it would not take place this year, marking the first time in 100 years "The Greatest Show on Earth" hasn't taken place.

Dave Barker of the Keremeos Elks said in an email the Keremeos Elks Rodeo had been cancelled for 2020, citing uncertainty over the virus.

“The Keremeos Elks have had continuous rodeos for 81 years. Prior to the Elks rodeo the Keremeos Rodeo and Racing Association hosted an annual rodeo at the same location,” Barker said.

The Keremeos Rodeo traditionally has run on the May long weekend, and was scheduled this year for May 16 to 18.

The Falkland Stampede’s 102nd edition has been postponed from the May long weekend to Aug. 28, 29 and 30 this year.

Rodeo manager Melissa Seaman said in an email the postponement will bring something new to Falkland, a rodeo under the lights, with an evening performance on Friday, Aug. 28.

There will be a dance to follow, with Saturday and Sunday’s daytime performances continuing as before.

More details about the Falkland event will be forthcoming in the days ahead as pandemic restrictions change.

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