FALKLAND – It’s arguably the biggest weekend of the year in Falkland. The small North Okanagan community is putting on its 98th stampede this week.
The event is not only a source of pride for the area’s 800 residents, it’s also a chance for locals to put Falkland on the map and show what can be accomplished when the community comes together.
So although Sunday was wet and grey, no one let that stop the traditional stampede parade.
Marching bands, horses, floats and vehicles made their way through town on Highway 97 before showing off for crows at the Falkland stampede grounds.
Approximately 150 volunteers helped put on the stampede, including Ozzie Leaf, 87, who was born and raised in Falkland.
He’s been involved with the stampede for five decades. On Sunday, that involved announcing the parade participants over the loud speaker as they passed his perch on Highway 97 in front of the general store.
When asked what the stampede means for Falkland he didn’t have to think very long.
“It means a great weekend and really puts the town on the map being one of Canada’s oldest rodeos,” said Leaf.
The stampede brings more than just pride to Falkland: around 5,000 people come through the gates over the course of the weekend, which benefits Falkland financially.
“All of the proceeds raised from the Falkland Stampede go towards supporting our community: our community hall, our skating rink,” said Martin Hennigar, president of the Falkland and District Community Association.
The stampede wraps up Monday with rodeo competition and a heavy horse pull.
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