Mon-Tues, 16 & 17 — Lynden PRCA Rodeo

Grandstand Entertainment Mon./Tue., Aug. 16/17 Lynden PRCA Rodeo

The Lynden PRCA rodeo will include such events as bareback riding (above, page

18), steer-wrestling (page 17 and 19) and several more. (File photos)

Rodeo moves dates, keeps stock contractor

C5 returns to provide stock; multiple commemorative nights planned

By Brent Lindquist

brent@lyndentribune.com

The Lynden PRCA Rodeo is a staple of the Northwest Washington Fair at this point, but there’s a side of the rodeo that many fairgoers may not even see.

“Half of the score comes from the horse or bull, half comes from the rider,” fair CEO Chris Pickering said. “The animal performs so the athlete can perform. You have to have a good ride to get a good score.”

The rodeo stock is just as important as the rodeo cow-

boys brought in to perform, Pickering said. That’s why the fair is going with C5 Rodeo out of Alberta and Montana for its rodeo stock once again in 2021.

C5 Rodeo Company was founded in 2010 by Vern McDonald and has since grown to two locations in Lac La Biche, Alberta, and Helena, Montana which span just over 8,500 acres between the two ranches.

C5 has more than 150 mares and 20 stallions in its breeding program, bringing its numbers to more than 700 head of horses and 100 bucking bulls, making it one of North America’s top stock providers. More than 30 locations worldwide make use of its stock.

“We’ve just been real existed to see their stock performing so well,” Pickering said. “Just for an audience who doesn’t necessarily understand all the nuances of the rodeo, you need a balance where your athletes and animals are of the same caliber.”

In addition to C5 returning, announcer Jody Carper and rodeo clown Matt Merritt are both returning to the

See Rodeo on 18

Rodeo

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rodeo after successful showings in 2019, Pickering said.

The rodeo event will see a shift in dates at this year’s fair; normally, it has run Tuesday and Wednesday, rodeo coordinator Selena Burgess said.

“We’ve moved to a Monday-Tuesday schedule,” Burgess said.

The date isn’t the only change. The setup will look a bit different from what fairgoers are used to, she said.

“The setup is going to be more like a fuller stadium setup with seating on both sides of the arena. From a fan’s perspective, that should be great,” she said.

Both grandstand rodeo nights will feature commemorative dedications, including First Responders’ Day Aug. 16 and Military Appre-

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ciation Night Aug. 17. That’s also Military Appreciation Day at the fair.

Aug. 16 is also Tough Enough To Wear Pink Night at the rodeo.

“There are some exciting things happening on each of those nights to help make them special,” Burgess said.

She said her favorite part of working the rodeo is getting to see all the different facets of it.

“I’m really fortunate because I get to work with the volunteers and the contractors, and just seeing the guest experience in general, so I feel like I get to see a little piece of all of it. And we have such a great group of volunteers,” Burgess said.

Just like every year, the Lynden PRCA Rodeo will feature bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping and barrel racing, as well as the classic mutton busting for youngsters.

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Deane and Floyd Sandell stand with their Grand Champion Guernsey and Reserve Grand Champion at the Lynden Fair, Aug. 1957. Photo by Jack Carver. Whatcom Museum 1995.1.27239.

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