T he
Cowboy Times
NOVEMBER, 2014
OfďŹ cial newsletter of the BC COWBOY HERITAGE SOCIETY
15th Annual 100 Mile House Cowboy Concert Features The Saturday, February 14th, 2015
Cowboy Festival ~ Page 2
Western Music Association Convention ~ Page 3
Mane Event ~ Page 4
THE THE
This event is definitely a crowd favourite and proof is in the tickets sales. Year after year the show sold out. Year after year we got calls at the last minute, "can we still get a ticket for the cowboy Concert?" We added a second show, a matinee, a few years back and it too has seen sell out shows. It's usually the second Saturday in February and this year that will be the case once more ... it just happens that this year it's Valentine's Day, February 14th. Think about it guys ... it's cheaper than buying flowers and/or chocolate! Why is this concert so popular? Folks tell us that it's really good family entertainment at a very reasonable price. $15 ... what else can people do for $15? What else is there to do in February? The entertainment ... ? Well it seems that the concert has a reputation, as does the Kamloops Cowboy Festival, for bringing in good entertainment. Folks tell us it doesn't really matter if they know the names that are on the agenda for the current year or not, they just know that they've never been disappointed in the past. Most years have seen new faces in the lineup. We try not to bring the same performers back for a second year as that way things stay fresh. Now having said that, we do get requests to bring back favourites, and this year is one of those years. Tom Cole and Brian Salmond were
at the 100 Mile Cowboy Concert in 2005 and went over super well. They're favourites at the Kamloops Cowboy Festival, too, returning every second year and are always well received. That wonderful deep voice of Tom Cole's as he sings some of the classic western songs, and the humor and originality of his side kick, cowboy poet Brian Salmond, are hard to beat. This year will not be an exception though, as far as bringing in new faces goes. Leslie Ross and Jason Ruscheinsky are locals but they've never performed at this concert before ... in fact they've never really sang true cowboy music before either. They both went over really well at Cariboo Country Night in September and at the Garlic Festival in August and they both said that they wanted to learn cowboy tunes, as well as the country songs they do now, and be part of our lineup - they will be welcomed, and I'm sure appreciated. This is one of the biggest annual fundraisers for the BC Cowboy Heritage Society too, and all proceeds go towards three annual BCCHS Stu-
dent Scholarships and to the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame. Just think a full show with all that talent for only $15 and the money all goes to a good cause to boot. Tickets are available in 100
Mile House at Work N Play, 100 Mile Feed and Ranch Supply, and PMT Chattered Accountants. If you're from out of town then phone orders can be made at 1-888-763-2221.
BC COWBOY HERITAGE SOCIETY • WWW.BCCHS.COM
2 November 2014 COWBOY TIMES
The 19th Annual Kamloops Cowboy Festival March 12th - 15th, 2015
We're still adding performers but at this point in time (November) here's what's in store:
Yes we did put our prices up this year, we had to as our venue costs went up. What the heck though, it's still only $75 for a whole weekend of entertainment ... and from some of the best Cowboy performers in North America. We think that's still hard to beat. So do the folks that have booked already, in fact no one has even batted an eye. The tradeshow is getting lots of interest and promises to be a good turn out once again as does the Art of the West Show and Sale. The convention center has gone through some changes and we're thinking these are for the better. The buffet menu looks great and although it did go up a little on Sunday night the other nights have stayed at the same price - a pretty good feast for $30 and in such an awesome relaxed setting. Here are the prices for 2015: Weekend Pass - $75.00 - Includes everything (except the dinner theatre) all weekend!
Evening Show - $35.00 - Includes regular evening performance and daytime admission! Fri, Sat, or Sun Dinner Theatre - $30.00 upgrade - with a weekend pass - Includes dinner! Fri or Sat Dinner Theatre Only - $65.00 - Includes one evening performance and dinner! Day Pass (Fri & Sat) - $20.00 - Includes daytime entertainment, trade show, & seminars! Day Pass (Sunday) - $15.00 - Includes daytime entertainment, and trade show! Albertans - don't want to mess with winter driving? How about taking a bus tour complete with entertainment on board. That's right Doris Daley and Carol Heuchan will be keeping everyone entertained which will make the trip go by so quickly. Frontier Lines has a package that includes transportation, 5 nights at the
Cowboy Poets Hugh McLennan Dave McLure Frank Gleeson Doris Daley Bj Smith Gord Colliar Jayden Stafford Carol Heuchan Bryn Thiessen Diamond Doug Mag Mawhinney
Cowboy Musicians Alan Moberg Wesley Harding Jeremy Willis Trinity Seely Gary Allegretto Barry Ward Ben Crane Jinny (Lowe) Cash Lone Prairie Chelsea Cunningham Loose Rooster
Coast Hotel, daily breakfast & four suppers, winery tour and tasting, Thursday night kick off dinner and dance at the Ramada Kamloops, a full weekend pass to Cowboy Festival and all three Dinner Theater shows.
Two BCCHS Fund Raiser Raffles!
November 2014 President report We seemed to have had a good turnout at our booth at the Mane Event in Chilliwack again this year! Thanks to Helen who babysat the booth and lined up others to help as we abandoned her all weekend. I'm still thinking that it's worth doing each year for the promo we get. The Festival seems to be coming together ... as least as far as I can see. Tradeshow, Art show, scholarships, entertainment, etc, etc, all seem to be looking good. It'll be good to have a bus again this year,
too. The phone rang first thing on the morning of November 1st for tickets so hope this sets the pace for tickets sales. The Annual 100 Mile House Cowboy Concert will be on Valentine's Day and with Tom and Brian coming down it should be a good one! Local favourites Leslie Ross and Jason Ruscheinsky will fill out the shows. This is one of the main fundraisers for the student scholarships and the Hall of Fame so we're hoping it's as good as usual.
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The 2015 Commemorative Belt Buckle
The 2015 second, but just as popular, raffle ...
This has become a favourite annual raffle. Tickets are $10 each and the winner will receive a solid silver, custom handmade, 2015 Kamloops Cowboy Festival commemorative belt buckle valued at about $750.00. It's a one of a kind buckle too, handmade by Merritt silversmith Richard Tenisch. There are only 300 tickets printed for this raffle and they're $10.00 each. Tickets will be sold in the trade show area, at the information desks, and at the General Stores - ask any volunteer! Or order now by email cowboys@bcchs. com or phone with a Visa or MC. Toll Free: 1-888-763-2221
There's two prizes on this one - the first prize is a custom made metal screened fire pit donated by GreyWolf Metal Art and valued at $750.00. These fire pits are one of their top selling items! The second prize winner will receive two weekend passes for the 2016 Kamloops Cowboy Festival and three nights accommodation at the Ramada Kamloops Hotel. There are only 900 tickets printed for this raffle and you get 3 tickets for $10.00. Tickets will be sold in the trade show area, at the information desks, and at the General Stores - ask any volunteer! Or order now by cowboys@bcchs.com or phone with a Visa or MC. Toll Free: 1-888-763-2221
The BC Cowboy Heritage Society - Memberships Box 137, Kamloops, BC, Canada, V2C 5K3 Phone: 1-888-763-2221 Email: cowboys@bcchs.com
Membership Renewal for Year 2015 (Jan 1st - Dec 31st, 2015)
the Membership page at www.bcchs.com.
The BC Cowboy Heritage Society would like to thank you for your support over the past year. We hope you will continue supporting the society by renewing your membership for the year 2015. Please fill out a renewal form and return it with your cheque, made payable to the BCCHS, to the above address, or ... Pay with PayPal!! Go to
If you're not a member but are interested in what we do to preserve cowboy heritage in BC, then you should think about joining. There are no commitments whatsoever and your $20 membership ($30 for a family and $100 for corporate) would be greatly appreciated. Membership dollars go towards the society's administrative costs.
BCCHS Memberships
10-4353 Conner Road Box 1020, Barriere, B.C. V0E 1E0
14-74 Young Road, Brookfield Mall Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N2
Phone: 250-672-5611
Phone: 250-674-3346
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Entertainers Take Note:
The Horse Barn has a New Award for 2015 Keeper of the West Any entertainer singing, or doing cowboy poetry, at the Horse Barn during the Festival or in any of the pre-Festival shows could be eligible ... if ... they have a NEW song or poem, and tell the staff what they have. Voting will be done by public opinion, through a ballet, and decided on by the staff at the Horse Barn along with an appointed judge(s). The idea stemmed last year when Tom heard Ryan Fritz do a song on the Horse Barn Stage during the Festival that he liked the name of - "Keeper of the West". What a perfect name for an award for a new song that helps keep our genre alive. Tom has always been a terrific supporter of the Festival and all that we do - this new award is just
We Wish You Luck Mag!
"Keeper of the West". If you have any questions on the award give us a shout at 1-888-763-2221 or cowboys@bcchs.comor call the Horse Barn at 250-374-3511. Also ... keep your eyes and ears open for Ryan Fritz's new album due to be released next year called "Keeper of the West".
night kick off dinner and dance at the Ramada Kamloops, a full weekend pass to Cowboy Festival and all three Dinner Theater shows. Please check their website for details at www. frontierbuslines.com or contact them toll free at: 1-888-LET-S-BUS (538-7287). They look forward to hearing from you!
14th Annual Spirit of the West Cruise
New Zealand and Australia - 18 days January 19th to February 5th, 2015 Plus an optional three day Great Barrier Reef Extension! Wow Mate - Australia! New Zealand! Two places that are on most people's dream list, and now it's a possiblity, and with a group of like minded folks. Folks that are ranchers, horse people, western life lovers, and/or Spirit of the West Radio Show listeners. Join Billie and Hugh McLennan as they leave home to fly to Aukland New Zealand on January 19th, 2015. They'll board the Diamond Princess and enjoy stops in Tauranga, Akoroa, Dunedin, and the Flordland National Park in New Zealand, then Melbourne, Hobart, and Sidney, Australia. They will also take in the optional three day extension and visit the Great Barrier Reef. As well as the Great Barrier Reef Extension Karen and Jim, at Cruise Vacations, are offering an optional private shore excursion package (quite a bit cheaper than booking on your own). Included in the cruise package price is a special private group tour to a "station" (farm of ranch) in Australia and a private group tour in New Zealand. The price
2014 WMA Award Show ...
a nice little added touch, and one that will hopefully make an entertainer happy at the end of the weekend. So entertainers don't forget on Festival weekend ... make sure you visit the stage at the Horse Barn in one of your free times and make sure you let the staff know that you have a new song that fits the idea behind the wording of the award -
Alberta Bus Tour to the 2015 Kamloops Cowboy Festival Albertans - don't want to mess with winter driving? How about taking a bus tour complete with entertainment on board. That's right Doris Daley and Carol Heuchan will be keeping everyone entertained which will make the trip go by so quickly. Frontier Lines has a package that includes transportation, 5 nights at the Coast Hotel, daily breakfast & four suppers, winery tour and tasting, Thursday
Cowboy Times November 2014 3
At the time this newsletter is going to press The 2014 Western Music Association Annual Convention is about to start. It is being held November 12th to 16th at the Marriott Albuquerque. Mag Mawhinney is in the top five for Female Poet of the Year. The other nominees for 2014 include; Teresa Burleson, Sam DeLeeuw, Susie Knight, and Diane Tribitt. You can find a complete list of events and results on their web site at: www.westernmusic.com
From the editors
Kathy and Mark McMillan In this issue of the newsletter we'll let you know what will be happening at the 19th Annual Kamloops Cowboy Festival and at the 15th Annual 100 Mile House Cowboy Concert. Both should be awesome! There's a couple of updates, too, like information about our two Festival raffles, news from the Alberta bus tour, and some info on the new
award for entertainers, "Keeper of the West", from the Horse Barn. We'll also tell you what happened at the Chilliwack Mane Event ... all in all it was another terrific weekend. Kathy & Mark McMillan, Editors msprings@bcinternet.net See our web site at: www.meadowsprings.com
A warm welcome to all attending this years Kamloops Cowboy Festival
includes return airfare from Calgary, Edmonton, or Vancouver, and ground transfers in Australia and New Zealand. It also includes all port and government taxes, on board meals, entertainment, and room service, special group recep-
tions on the ship, and a special gift. Check out www.HughMcLennan.com and click on the Cruise page or phone Karen and Jim Bell at Cruise Vacations Winnipeg for all the details - toll free - 1-800-530-0131.
1175 Rogers Way Kamloops, BC V1S 1R5 Phone: (250) 374-4144 Fax: (250) 374-0449
Reservations: 1-888 627-8630
4 November 2014 COWBOY TIMES
The Mane Event ... October 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2014
Louisiana Hayride Fall 2014 Tour Here's some info from Lori and Gil Risling to keep us up to date on their Fall Tour. Nov 20th Salmon Arm, BC Nov 21st Revelstoke, BC Nov 22nd Lake Country (Winfield), BC Nov 27th North Battleford Nov 28th Unity, SK Nov 29th Lloydminster AB Dec 4th Vernon BC Dec 5th Chilliwack BC Dec 6th - Penticton, BC Dec 7th - Shuswap Lake Estates Hall, Blind Bay They are still working on Christmas shows for Williams Lake Dec 13th and 100 Mile House Dec 14th. They are also hoping to have a show in Kamloops Dec 12th. Check them out on Facebook - Louisiana Hayride Show or for additional info please phone Gil Risling at 250-833-0003 or email gohayride@live.ca
One of our favourite annual get-aways is in October when we head south to Heritage Park in Chilliwack to take in three days of fun and excitement at the Mane Event. This year the weekend of October 24th to 26th was their 11th anniversary ... and it was good one! We headed down on Thursday with Red and Helen and they got the BCCHS booth set up and ready for the weekend. We are fortunate enough to have some good friends in Chilliwack that turn their place (this year it was Leann's place) over to us for the weekend and Thursday is the only day when we can find the time to take them out to supper. Friday morning we cruised around the trade show to see what the weekend specials were - this year Chevonn rode down with us and she thought she was in heaven when she saw some of the prices. There was 168 booths in the tradeshow area and some of them were huge - like the size of 20 tradeshow booths in one! It was a great weekend for Christmas shopping but we had to watch Chevonn as we only
had Red and Helen's PT cruiser there and there's only so much room. The clinics ... no matter what your discipline, I'm sure there was a clinic there to suit you. Jumping with the legendary George Morris, Dressage with Jan Ebeling, Barrel Racing with Dee Butterfield, Reining with Sandy Collier, Horsemanship with Steve Rother, Western Dressage with Adiva Murphy and/or Elaine Ward, Driving with Brian Jensen, and Gaited Horses with Dennis Quilliams were all available to all who attended the Mane Event. The Trainers Challenge was where we spent most of our time, and it turned out well. Throughout the four round pen sessions (one hour on Friday, two one hour sessions on Saturday, and one half hour go on Sunday) the spectators were guessing as to who would win in the finals in the big arena on Sunday. It could have gone any one of three ways. Friday night Dale Clearwater from Saskatchewan looked like he was maybe trailing behind both Brandi Ly-
ons (Arizona) and Scott Purdum (Maryland) but he had his ground work done, and obviously well, because in the finals he came out on top, winning the silver spurs. A nice added touch this year was a visit from two of the cast of the CBC TV series Heartland. Alisha Newton (who plays Georgie) and Michelle Morgan (who plays Lou) were there to sign autographs for fans and allow them to have their photo taken with them. The line up of fans was super long and unfortunately, due to time commitments, had to be cut off at a certain point. Many fans left with big happy grins and a signed photo. Once again approximately 22,000 people came through the doors of the Mane Event. Next year might top that though, as already plans are being put in place for something new and exciting ... actually a couple of different exciting new ideas are being looked at, and from what I've heard you won't want to miss them! October 22nd to 25th, 2015 - see you there.