Comox Valley Record
Lack of sponsorship cash kills 2009 Courtenay rodeo
By Lindsay Chung - Comox Valley Record
Published: March 24, 2009 3:00 PM
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/comoxvalleyrecord/news/41768352.html
The Comox Valley Exhibition grounds will be a lot quieter this July 25 and 26.
There will be no bucking broncs, no angry bulls, no cowboys or cowgirls and no cheering crowds, as the Courtenay Rodeo and Stampede is taking a one-year hiatus.
The Comox Valley Roping Club has decided not to hold a rodeo this year after struggling to find sponsorship.
"We thought we could not take a chance," said club member Leslie Beckford. "Maybe we should take a few steps back and do some fundraisers and raise awareness for the club and go back hard at it next year.
It's a lot of work, and it would be horrendous if we went in the hole. We couldn't do it. You just lose your heart when that happens."
The roping club met in February knowing how much money was in its account and felt it had to feel out its sponsors early in the year.
"We sounded pretty discouraged in February but thought let's give it another month and see what we can do," said Beckford. "Some sponsors said, 'we don't know yet,' or they could only give us half. It's so hard to go to these people who are going through hard times and ask for money."
Beckford has been part of rodeo for 20 years and says it broke her heart to learn there would be no rodeo this year.
"We have some great people and some unbelievable hard workers for us, and it's always been so rewarding, but we can't risk it," she said. "If we lost money, it would be devastating. It would be so many steps back."
The Comox Valley Roping Club will hold some approved team ropings and some type of ranch rodeos for fun to showcase events such as cattle penning, barrel racing and roping so people can see what the club is all about and get excited about rodeo, said Beckford, adding the club would also like to hold fundraising dances and still plans to participate in the Canada Day parade.
"We will be trying to raise money besides trying to get money from sponsors," she said. "It's just one year taking a step back. We'll be back."
Beckford has spoken to B.C. Rodeo Association members who are are disappointed there won't be a rodeo in Courtenay, especially because it follows the Coombs Country Rodeo on the circuit, and many competitors travel to Vancouver Island for both events.
"Our rodeo was just going to get better and better," she said. "It is one of the favourite rodeos. Not last year, but it used to be one of the higher-end paying rodeos."
Beckford believes the Courtenay Rodeo and Stampede has been taking place for about 30 years.
"It's just hard," she said. "We're all so used to it being a big part of our lives."