North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo Highlights Regional Agriculture & Cowboy Culture

The 63rd Annual North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo will be held at the fair grounds in rugged, beautiful Barrière, BC (45 minutes north of Kamloops on Hwy 5) on Labour Day Weekend (September 1-3, 2012).  Quality accommodations in the area are limited and 10-11,000 attendees are expected, so it is recommended that you make your Thompson area lodging plans now to avoid the last minute rush to this big draw in the Thompson Nicola Regional District.

The events, exhibits and entertainment of the 2012 North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo celebrate local BC agriculture and offer something for everyone to enjoy.

A Dynamic, Uniquely BC Rodeo Experience

The slogan for this year’s fair is “Bulls, Boots & Broncs” a reference to the British Columbia Rodeo Association event which will be held at the fair ground’s rodeo arena. The thrills and exciting rodeo action, which run all weekend long, are sure to get you cheering on the cowboys, cowgirls and “cow-kiddies” in competitions for:

Bareback & Saddle Bronc Riding Saddle or no, the riders face a challenge in maintaining proper form while holding onto the bucking horses with just one hand.		Bull Riding & Steer Wrestling Whether riding on a raging bull’s back or trying to pull a steer off its feet, the action is sure to be huge.		Breakaway, Tie Down & Team Roping Several skills come into play in the adrenaline rush of livestock roping events, including riding, lassoing, tying & teamwork.
Ladies Barrel Racing Cowgirls demonstrate expert horse work by full-tilt racing around barrels in a cloverleaf pattern…as close to the barrels as possible without knocking one over.		Kids Rodeo Events Kid cowboys and cowgirls get in on the action with Junior Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping and Pee Wee Barrel Racing.		Chariot & Chuckwagon Racing These races bring new (or is that original) meaning to “horsepower” as horse-drawn two-wheeled chariots and frontier chuckwagon drivers (and their horse teams) go head to head.

Enjoy watching the skilled bullfighters protect fallen cowboys and laugh at the antics of the rodeo clown. Beer gardens with views of the arena are available to help keep cool during the events.

Agricultural Exhibitions & Classes Highlight Regional Produce & Livestock

The farming areas of the Thompson BC region offer a wealth of agricultural output from cow/calf operations, poultry, sheep, forage crops, market gardens and nurseries.

This year, the Exhibit Hall is home to competitions for unique & largest produce entries, carved Jack-o-lanterns and mechanical & “recycled” scarecrows (all new this year), and “exhibit in a wheelbarrow” entries and much more.

The Livestock Barns and grounds will showcase prime entries for beef cattle, goats, llamas (new this year), poultry, rabbits and more.

Classes, demonstrations and workshops for rabbit showing & judging, English & Western horsemanship, 4-H showmanship, agricultural production, sheep trimming, horse driving and more will run all weekend long.

North Thompson Fall Fair Is More than Cowboy Contests and Agricultural Exhibits

The North Thompson Fall Fair Parade on Saturday puts Thompson BC agriculture on rolling display with produce-decorated floats & cars, plus antique cars, walkers, horses and more.

The Cabaret Dance (adults only) on Saturday and Cowboy Concert on Sunday offer a variety of entertainment to close out evenings at the fair.

More information about this fun, family-friendly event is available at the North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo website.

Choose Thompson BC Lodging That’s as Individual as a Bronc Riding Cowboy

Our Thompson Bed and Breakfast inns offer you a singular lodging experience as you enjoy the Northern Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo and all the Thompson region of British Columbia has to offer.

Take advantage of the many breakfast options, guest rooms personalized for your comfort, and the signature hospitality & area expertise of the innkeepers at locations all across British Columbia’s Thompson region.

What’s Your North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo Expectation or Experience?

The North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo has been held at Barrière, BC for over six decades and, in that time, has grown to become one the most famous agricultural events in western Canada.

Please share your plans for this 2012 event and memories of past North Thompson Fall Fairs.