DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - Kids will have the chance to meet Canada’s rodeo royalty this week as Miss Rodeo Canada will be in town for the 2026 Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede.
Abbey Harty, a 22-year-old nursing student from Edam, Saskatchewan, is serving as Miss Rodeo Canada.
Her journey to the title has been marked by determination and resilience after overcoming a serious ATV accident in 2018 that resulted in a partial arm amputation.
Despite the setback, she returned to the rodeo arena and now works as an ambassador for the western lifestyle and rodeo tradition.
As part of her visit to Dawson Creek, children and families are invited to attend a free meet-and-greet event outside the Co-op on August 6 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Kids will have the opportunity to get autographs, take photos with Miss Rodeo Canada and receive cowboy and cowgirl hats while supplies last. The event will also feature draws and other activities for families.
For Dawson Creek resident Denna Oman, the event is about more than just meeting a rodeo ambassador. Oman hopes it will create lasting memories for young people and help inspire the next generation of rodeo enthusiasts.
Oman said meeting Miss Rodeo Canada as a child was a memorable experience that stayed with her for years, and she hope local children will have the same opportunity.
“I think it’s very special that every little girl, every little boy gets that feeling that I felt of meeting rodeo royalty,” said Oman
Oman also encouraged young people to dream big, noting that her own experience meeting Miss Rodeo Canada helped shape the path she would eventually follow.
The event is sponsored by the Dawson Creek Co-op and Longfield Oil Services. It is free for the community and is being held during the week of the Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede, which runs August 5 to August 9.
Organizers say it is another way to celebrate the community spirit and western heritage that have long been at the heart of the annual tradition.
“We’re just continuing the spirit and bringing new generations to this amazing community and event,” Oman said.