For one week in May each year sleepy Cloverdale comes alive with a big event – the Cloverdale Rodeo. The event has grown to become the second largest of it’s kind in Canada (after the Calgary Stampede). It’s an integral part of the town’s Country Fair which this year celebrated it’s 120 year anniversary.
Library staff enter into the spirit of the event donning cowboy hats and on occasion feature in the parade through city streets. I was invited to participate but had to decline due to a clash with our family’s Alaska cruise. This didn’t prevent me from soaking up some of the spirit of Rodeo week, as Library Manager April Cox led the way with her cowgirl routine. April took advantage of the festive atmosphere taking me on her guided tour of Surrey Libraries, this time the Fleetwood Branch.
"Cowgirl" April with Harjinder & David
April manages Cloverdale Library (2 days) and Fleetwood (3 days). She timed the Fleetwood visit to coincide with the Citizenship ceremony of staff member Harjinder Thind. Harjinder is the Information Services Librarian at Fleetwood having recently immigrated to Canada. Fresh from the ceremony he was also in a celebratory mood, prompting an impromtu rendition of “O Canada”
