“Surrey Through My Lens” proudly shares authentic photo essays that showcase what it is really like to live in and visit our community from a range of perspectives. Kathy Sheppard is the board chair of the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association.
“I have lived in Cloverdale most of my life. My great-grandparents lived in Cloverdale where they owned a business and my grandparents moved here to raise their family. My parents raised my brother and I in Cloverdale, and now both of us are raising our own families in Cloverdale. There is truly “no place like home!”
Learn More about the vibrant “small-town” that is Cloverdale! Check out the Cloverdale Neighbourhood Page to start your journey. And might we recommend:
“The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is FUN! It’s family, traditions, old friends, new experiences, memories and pride – pride in our Association and what we give back to the community and the City to celebrate our western and farming heritage. A family-oriented and fun-filled weekend with something for everyone at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair.”
A raucous bed race kicks off the celebrations on the Thursday before the long weekend. Then there’s the parade on the Saturday, not quite as quirky, but just as fun. Plus, there are many more events, including:
“You can feel the energy, even before you enter the gates at the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair! The Cloverdale Fairgrounds are all dressed up! It’s home to the world-famous Cloverdale Rodeo in the Stetson Bowl, and the entire fairgrounds captivate you with flags, signs and smiling volunteers.
The excitement is tangible as you walk through the gates into the grounds, complete with attractions such as the Farm Friendz, the Midway, a variety of exhibitors, entertainment and, of course, mouth-watering food choices!”
Check out Discover Surrey’s page about the event or visit the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair’s website for more information about the event. There is so much to see and do!
“The Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association puts on the event. The association was established in 1888 as the Lower Fraser Valley Agricultural Association. It is a community-based tradition, representing the City’s country/western heritage and showcasing agriculture, families and diversity.
The Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair is a part of Surrey’s community mosaic because it shares the history and traditions of the association and community with new residents of Surrey and can help them to develop a great sense of civic pride.
We are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the rodeo this year and the agricultural fair, dances, parade and bedraces are over 130 yrs old!
New residents to Surrey learn about all of these traditions and create their own memories at the event. Our aim is that every attendee has a great time and shares their experiences with others. This shared experience strengthens community pride and connection.”
“There are so many fun facts about the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair.
“With the declining number of pioneer families left in our city, I feel it is very important to share the roots and history of this association with those who may be new to the area. As previously mentioned, the Cloverdale Rodeo & Exhibition Association is a volunteer-based organization, and I would love to see more people get involved and help keep the history alive within our community.”
The Cloverdale Rodeo & Exhibition Association is a proud supporter and key driver of agricultural development in the Fraser Valley. One big way in which the association gives back is through the Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation Scholarship program. These scholarships are awarded based on participation in the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair, community involvement, and demonstration of leadership.
Check out the other lenses on Surrey’s six neighbourhoods – new features are released regularly. Click the link below to learn more about the project and find the galleries for the other neighbourhoods.