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Earthquakes in BC

You feel it report it.

Official Canadian earthquake, the stats, information on tsunamis and how to report is in the link above.

Red Cross Ready program

Ask your employer to enroll in the Red Cross Ready program. It has a structured information progression.

Some tips will ensure your safe movement.

Things available include:

Advance warning

Estimate of strength

FAQs

Britton lake fire

One of some BC fires contributing to air quality degradation.

Special Air quality statement, environment Canada, 8:11 p.m. September 4th, 2025.

Stay Safe

Helicopter over Merritt slinging water for fires highway number 3 out of Princeton and the Britton lake fire. September 3rd, 2025. Photo KDG

” air quality can change quickly”

Corn moon,

September 7th 2025 there will be a total eclipse or a blood moon eclipse of our most friendly heavenly body, our moon.

Corn moon coming,  Merritt BC, photograph September 2 2025 KDG

Meridian Passage

Merritt BC there will be a meridian passage at 11.08 a.m. on September 7th 2025, you won’t see the moon rise because it’ll  it will be in the daytime.

You won’t be able to see the next total lunar eclipse in Merritt, British Columbia, as it will be happening during the daytime in your location. The next total lunar eclipse, also known as a blood moon, is on September 7, 2025, but it will not be visible in North America.
What is a Lunar Eclipse and Blood Moon?
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.  The “blood moon” effect occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the Moon turns a reddish-orange hue. This is caused by sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere, which scatters blue and violet light, but allows red and orange light to pass through and reach the Moon.
Why Won’t Merritt See It?
This eclipse will primarily be visible across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia. For Merritt, British Columbia, the eclipse is scheduled to occur during your daylight hours, when the Moon is not visible in the sky.
Next Eclipses Visible in Merritt
The last total lunar eclipse visible in Merritt was on March 13–14, 2025. Here are the next total lunar eclipses that will be at least partially visible from your location:
* March 3, 2026: A total lunar eclipse will be visible, although it may be ongoing at moonset.
* October 8, 2033: A total lunar eclipse will be visible from Merritt.

Blood moon stats

Appears Full September 6th

The moon will likely be appearing full in the evening of the September 6th and in through the 7th and 8th.

Wion   video

Weather permitting…

Our co  council from the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council, Jackie. Recently passed from this life. photo KDG.

Fondly remembered and offered the chair to the incumbent president at the AGM  she was instrumental in the preservation of arts  and it’s orderly transition in the City of Merritt.

Complete with the amalgamation of the organizations, Visual artists of Merritt and the Community Arts Council. As she saw as a member, the groups moved from the courthouse gallery into their place of business now at the corner of Nicola and Voght.

Her quiet charm was always a comfort and her movements within the organization always generated a sense of wellness. She will be missed.

Centennials Back

Merritt Junior International team to have, KIJHL.

Some of the coming junior hockey additions for Merritt, the group were in the local Rodeo Parade on August 29th 2025.

Photo KDG

  • Next Game

Protected: Goddess of the mount

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Labour got you here

You started with a labour of love, 💕

Show some love to those that are close to you today. If your mom is still with us, give her a good thought ” remember pain can end up bringing Joy.

Start practicing for a return to school…

Early September start.

In British Columbia, school starts are different in each school district. So you must check the school calendars. Of course, drivers need to beware of pedestrians at all times however, the increasing numbers of children out in particular times may increase the risk. It would be good that parents cautioned their kids about extra diligence around roadways and motorists as their heads may be full of thoughts of the dynamics of being at school.

Have a great Labor Day!

Labour day weekend

Weather alerts Nicola

As of 11:00 a.m. severe weather alerts for Nicola.

Trust environment Canada or authoritative weather.

You be…

Up to the Air, be there.
Xo
Down to the ground be found.

That moment and that exhilaration will draw.
The sense of being as the law.
More than survival you overcome.
Whether or not you be fun.

Saturday August 23 2025,2050 Voght St Merritt BC

August 30th

The Nicola Valley Farmers Market, is enjoying glorious weather through August. And the absence of forest fire smoke has been a particular boon. There is one more market in August, next Saturday then on to September and   October 12th.

The Markets times are Saturday’s 9 AM- 1 PM.

A flying bird turns into Dianna Grimshire.
A concept photo of a rodeo with clowns-AI

The 65th Annual Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo will be held on Labour Day weekend, which falls on August 29-31, 2025. The event takes place at the Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds in Merritt, British Columbia.
Here are some of the key details for this year’s rodeo:
Dates & Schedule
* **Friday, August 29th: The weekend kicks off with the Rodeo Parade at 6:30 PM, followed by a free music evening at the Rodeo Grounds at 8:00 PM.
* **Saturday, August 30th: Gates open at 8:30 AM. The day’s events include live music, the Rodeo Market with local vendors, a Kid Zone, and the main rodeo performance starting at 1:00 PM. In the evening, there will be a Rodeo Dance featuring the band Coquihalla Coyotes.
* **Sunday, August 31st: The rodeo continues with another full day of events.
Events and Attractions
The Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo is a professional-level event that is part of the Maple Leaf Circuit, featuring top cowboys and cowgirls from across North America. Events typically include:
* Bull Riding: A high-action event with a special bull riding memorial in honor of Ty Pozzobon.
* Bronc Riding: Both saddle bronc and bareback bronc competitions are featured.
* Steer Wrestling: A timed event showcasing the strength and skill of the contestants.
* Tie-Down Roping: A precision event where a cowboy on horseback ropes and ties a calf.
* Barrel Racing: A fast-paced, timed event for cowgirls.
* Team Roping: Two riders work together to rope a steer.
* Trick and Roman Riding: New for 2025, the rodeo will welcome back trick riders Noémy Coeurjoly and Keely Sutherland.
* Kids’ Zone: A dedicated area for children with activities like face painting, games, and balloon animals.
* Rodeo Market: A space for visitors to browse and shop from local vendors.
The event is a celebration of the Nicola Valley’s ranching and rodeo heritage and a popular attraction for the Labour Day weekend.

A Narrative close to the land

Pro Rodeo North America

🍁⭐⭐⭐🍁

In the world of professional rodeo, two of the most significant organizations are the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in the United States and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) in Canada. While they operate as separate entities, they have a strong working relationship that allows for a unified North American rodeo circuit.
How They Interact
The PRCA and CPRA have a crucial co-approval system. This means that many rodeos sanctioned by the CPRA are also co-approved by the PRCA for world championship points. This arrangement is a win-win for rodeo athletes, as it allows them to compete in rodeos in both countries and have their earnings count towards their standings in both associations.
* World Championship Points: A key aspect of their cooperation is the declaration of World Champions. These champions are determined based on the total combined earnings from both CPRA and PRCA sanctioned events. This provides a clear pathway for a Canadian cowboy to become a PRCA World Champion and for an American cowboy to compete for the Canadian title.
* Membership: The PRCA is the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world, with events in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The CPRA, headquartered in Airdrie, Alberta, sanctions over 60 events a year in Canada. Many top-tier rodeo athletes hold memberships in both associations to maximize their competitive opportunities and earning potential.
Prizes and Salaries
Comparing prizes and salaries between the two associations can be complex, as earnings depend heavily on individual performance, the number of rodeos a cowboy enters, and the prize money at those specific events.
* Prize Money: Rodeo prize money is often referred to as a “purse,” which is a pooled amount of money from participants’ entry fees and sponsors. The total prize money for a rodeo can range from a few hundred dollars at local events to millions at major rodeos and finals.
* Economic Impact: The CPRA’s events have a significant economic impact on the towns and cities that host them. For instance, the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) generates tens of millions of dollars for the local community, and with a prize purse of over $1.5 million, it is one of the largest in Canadian rodeo.
* Cowboy Salaries: Unlike team sports, professional rodeo athletes do not have a set salary. Their income is directly tied to their winnings and sponsorships. A cowboy’s earnings can fluctuate wildly from year to year. While a few elite athletes can make a comfortable living from their winnings and endorsements, many professional rodeo athletes have other careers, often in ranching or farming, and view rodeo as a passion or a part-time job.
* The Finals: The biggest paydays in rodeo come from the respective final events: the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR). The WNFR, held in Las Vegas, is widely considered the pinnacle of the sport and offers a massive prize pool, making it the most lucrative event for competitors. Winning a world championship at the WNFR is the ultimate goal for many professional cowboys.
In summary, the PRCA and CPRA work together to create a cohesive professional rodeo circuit across North America. While the prize money at the biggest events in the U.S. generally outstrips those in Canada, the co-approved system allows athletes to earn a living by competing on both sides of the border and vying for world championship titles. For most cowboys, rodeo earnings are not a guaranteed salary but are instead a reflection of their skill, dedication, and ability to win at events throughout the season.