The 48th annual Chopaka Jackpot Rodeo took place on Sunday, April 14, a marked departure from past years when the event traditionally took place on Easter Sunday.
Pockets of inclement weather filled the Lower Similkameen valley, resulting in a cold, wet start to the first local rodeo of the season. Shortly after the start of the event, however, the skies cleared and sunnier weather prevailed for the remainder of the afternoon.
A full slate of events included 45 team roping events, calf roping, saddle bronc, ladies barrels and bull riding. This year’s rodeo had several events for youth, including cow riding, pee wee barrels, junior cow riding, wild cow milking, junior barrels and a kid’s calf scramble during intermission.
The event also commemorated the life of Ken Richter, who passed away last year at 64 years of age.
Blair Bates provided master of ceremony services, making his first appearance at the Chopaka Rodeo.