Professional cowboys, cowgirls and stock converged on CN Centre for the West of the Rockies Pro Rodeo Championship Finals.

It took eight months of hard work to bring professional rodeo to Prince George. The host committee was formed when the West of the Rockies Pro Rodeo Circuit was left without a city to stage the three day final.

“I think the pro circuit was even surprised how quickly we stepped up to the plate,” said Ron Edgar, one of the committee members.  “We had 5o per cent of our budget covered in sponsorship within a week of searching for corporate dollars.”

Tony Ackland knows a thing or two about hosting a rodeo; he helped organize the Oliver BC Pro Rodeo for ten years. “You don’t do it for the money,” said Ackland.

“You have to have a passion for the sport.”

Ackland noted not enough credit is given to all the volunteers who make the rodeo possible. The UNBC Rodeo Club was one of the volunteer groups who helped with the huge task of setting the rodeo floor. From hockey ice to good old dirt, it’s a process that began with wood shavings frozen into the ice. The next step was to add 18 inches of loose wood shavings, then top off the mixture with truck loads of dirt.

If early reviews mean anything do not be surprised if the West of the Rockies rodeo finale will return to Prince George again next year.