Happy Victoria Day, if your Canadian or Scottish

This weekend we celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday.  This year she would have been 200!  For some, Victoria Day is a sign that summer is just around the corner. The holiday, which is only celebrated in Canada and Scotland, began as a celebration to honour Queen Victoria’s birthday.

The British queen was born on May 24, 1819. She was a reigning monarch (Queen) for 63 years, seven months and two days.

Victoria Day was declared a Canadian holiday by the government in 1845.

At that time, it was celebrated with picnics, parades, sporting tournaments, fireworks and cannon salutes.

When Queen Victoria died in 1901, Canada’s parliament officially named the holiday Victoria Day.

It was decided that the day would be celebrated on May 24th each year (or on May 25th if the 24th fell on a Sunday).

In 1952, the government made the decision to begin celebrating Victoria Day on a Monday. It would be observed on May 24th if that worked out, otherwise, it would be held on the Monday immediately before it.

Today, Victoria Day is a holiday throughout most of Canada and the day is marked in most cities with parades, outdoor events and activities like camping and elaborate firework displays.  In Cloverdale, where we live there is 4 day rodeo!   It's in it's 73rd year and is one of the largest in North America.

2019 Rodeo Performance Schedule

Five Rodeo Performances with Finals

• 7:30 pm Friday – May 17th (POOL A)
• 2:30 pm Saturday – May 18th (POOL A)
• 7:30 pm Saturday – May 18th (POOL B)
• 2:30 pm Sunday – May 19th (POOL B)
• 2:30 pm Monday – May 20th (Rodeo Finals)

Rodeo event schedule for Friday, Saturday & Sunday performances

• Bareback Riding
• Ladies Barrel Racing
• Specialty Act / Recording Artist – Jada McKenzie Moore
• Saddle Bronc Riding
• Mutton Bustin
• Ladies Barrel Racing
• Rodeo Clown Act
• Bull Riding

Rodeo event schedule for Monday Finals

• Bareback Riding / winner presentation
• Specialty Act / Recording Artist – Jada McKenzie Moore
• Saddle Bronc Riding / winner presentation
• Rodeo Clown Act
• Ladies Barrel Racing / winner presentation
• Mutton Bustin
• Corgi Races
• Bull Riding / winner presentation

On Friday, Lexie had a drama rehersal for her upcoming performance, so I didn't meet her at the casino parking lot as she didn't finish until 4:30.  I went direct to the school to pick her up.  It was a good thing as they were charging everyone $10 CASH to park your car at the Casino!  Lexie's school borders on the grounds of the Cloverdale Rodeo.  The reason I pick her up at the Casino parking lot, is because trying to get close to the school parking lot when school dismisses is horrendous!  Tara told me many people go to the Casino parking lot.  A short walk for Lexie, and a much easier place to park with a stop light so I don't have problems exiting.

It looks like the weather will be good for the rodeo this weekend.