The biggest little Western event on Vancouver Island was back for another year of rodeo action in Coombs on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20.
A large enthusiastic crowd turned out to the Coombs Rodeo Grounds for Bulls, Broncs and Barrels event to check out the competitive bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding and barrel racing.
In addition to the rodeo events, country singer Melissa Endean performed and there was a Saturday evening dance with Tailgate Country.
There was a pancake breakfast on both days, plus vendors selling hand-made Western crafts and clothing, items for the home and leather goods for horses.
READ MORE: Parksville Beach Festival welcomed more than 108K visitors in 2023
This year also marked 100 years of service by the Coombs Hilliers Recreation and Community Organization (CHRCO). In 1976, the CHRCO held its first rodeo which brought in cowboys and cowgirls fro Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay and Parksville.
This year’s rodeo brought in competitors from across B.C. and Alberta.
— NEWS Staff
Lindsey Innes from Nanaimo rides in the barrel racing competition during Coombs Bulls, Broncs and Barrels on Aug. 20. (Kevin Forsyth photo)
Darreston Rohatinsky from Grand Prairie, rides bareback at Coombs Bulls, Broncs and Barrels on Aug. 20. (Kevin Forsyth photo)
Christoph Muigg from Hazelton rides at Coombs Bulls, Broncs and Barrels on Aug. 20. (Kevin Forsyth photo)
Rodeo clown ‘Squirrelly Early’ Anderson hits some balls out into the stands during Coombs Bulls, Broncs and Barrels on Aug. 20. (Kevin Forsyth photo)
Linden Ross from Barriere, B.C. is thrown from his horse during Coombs Bulls, Broncs and Barrels on Aug. 20. (Kevin Forsyth photo)
Pickup men Chona Archachan and Owen Patton corral a horse after its rider was thrown during Coombs Bulls, Broncs and Barrels on Aug. 20.(Kevin Forsyth photo)
