The dates have been set for the 98th Annual Williams Lake Stampede.
It’s set to take place June 25th through 28th which is a Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“The Thursday Friday will be what we call evening performances starting at 6 o’clock,” Stampede President Court Smith said, “Saturday will be at four and Sunday at two.”
Smith said the Association is gearing up for it now with weekly meetings and June will be here before we know it.
“We’ve started our Sponsorship Drive, we couldn’t do this without our incredible local sponsors. Another thing is we’re starting to touch base with volunteers and contracts that have to be organized and signed for some of the bigger vendors we hire on, it’s just one step after another.”
Smith noted that another item of business the Williams Lake Stampede Association is working on is
putting ticket sales together.
“There will be ticket sales available online, probably, we haven’t set a date yet, but probably early May is when we’d like to get them out there for the online purchases. Then the first of June we’ll open up our Grandstand office for people to buy tickets in person.”
Smith said ticket sales for last years Stampede were 16 to 17 thousand.
“Our world is a little different today than what it was in 2025 with what’s going on with the tariffs and various other things so we are cautiously optimistic that we will meet the levels we’ve hit in the previous years, The support we get from the community and beyond is incredible so hopefully when June comes people will feel like they need to come and experience the famous Williams Lake Stampede.”
To get rodeo fans in the stampede mood early, there is a special event planned for later this month.
“Our Annual Dinner Dance and Auction is coming up February 28,” Stampede Director Kayla Jasper said, “it’s always our kickoff to Stampede getting everybody excited for what’s to come. This year will be holding it once again at the Sacred Heart School and our theme is Denim and Lace, kind of like a barn dance just a little bit fancier.”
Jasper noted that they are down to their last bunch of tickets.
“They can be purchased through our website and our What’s on page. We have very few dinner tickets remaining then it will be dance only left. We’re looking at $80 for the whole evening or $40 for the dance only.”
Jasper added that for the auction they’ve had lots of donations from amazing local businesses and the event is sponsored by Ryker Logging.
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