The Kamloops Cowboy Festival
 

The BC Cowboy Heritage Society Proudly Presents

The 14th Anniversary!

The Kamloops Cowboy Festival

March 11th - 14th, 2010

Thursday & Sunday evenings are a
bonus for weekend pass holders

We've gained the reputation of being the

Biggest and Best Festival of its kind in Canada

as well as one of the best in North America!

Don't miss out on the Sunday performances:
Afternoon Rising Star Showcase finals
Evening main feature dinner show!
See the bottom of the Schedule for details



Home

About Us 

Festival 

Hall of Fame 

Heritage Award 

Scholarships 

Newsletter 

Poet's Page 

Coming Events 


What's New

Ticket Info 

Entertainers 

Trade Show 

Accommodation 

Bus Tours 

Our headquarters hotel, Kamloops Towne Lodge (formerly Best Western)

Book Early - see details below!

We're hoping for three separate Thursday evening kick off parties in Kamloops next year - Details here!

Hall of Fame inductions Friday night
Joe Marten Award presentation Saturday night
BCCHS Student Scholarships Saturday night

Alberta folks - don't like winter driving?
Parson's has the answer!
See the details in the Bus Tours section

See Mag's 2009 Festival Review here.


Schedule

Workshops 

Poster 

Festival Hours 

Location 

Sponsors 



How did it go in 2009?

How did they come? They came by plane, bus, and automobiles. Where did they come from? They came from Alberta, all over BC, and from quite a few different States. Did they enjoy the weekend? It seems that no matter where they came from, or how they got to the 13th Annual Kamloops Cowboy Festival every one of them had a good time!

I hadn't even been home for 24 hours and I'd had emails and phone calls from all over the country from people saying how much they enjoyed this year's Festival. We hear it every year - "this was the best one so far".

In my eyes I think the Art of the West Show and Sale would win the most improved category with the Festival Trade Show coming in a close second. The art show had double the floor space this year and it looked great - very impressive! The trade show had a different layout allowing more booths and the quality of the merchandise was top notch. Congratulations to David Ciriani, the Committee Chair, on two super shows!

The entertainment, as usual, was outstanding. In both the church and the theater we had every seat full, in fact Forsters Convention Center kept bringing in more and more chairs, and people kept coming in and filling them up. We never turned anyone away but we couldn't pack in any more, either. Anyone that stayed for the Sunday evening show said it was well worth staying the extra night and Tim at the Kamloops Towne Lodge (formerly the Best Western) has already decided to add another package next year - this extra package option to include Sunday evening.

The Country 103 Rising Star Showcase was awesome. Both Mike and I said that there was not a one of the six finalists that we wouldn't put on main stage in the future. The Cowboy Poetry winner was Mel Brown and the two runners up were Frank Ritcey and Lyn Melnechenko. The Musician side of the contest was won by an eleven year old Naomi Bristow from Ontario, and the runners up were Tiffany Dowhan and Scott Laitre. We will hopefully see them all again in the near future.

The best part of the 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival? The increase in the number of volunteers that came to help. Over 100 of them! And they were all great. If we were to give a volunteer of the year award it would have to go to Benny Kerner, as he was on top of everything all the time.

How do we top it next year? Guess we'll have to wait and see ...

For more photos of the 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival see: www.picturekamloops.com

Don't miss next year's Kamloops Cowboy Festival March 11th - 14th, 2010!

Tickets will be available at the Horse Barn in Kamloops or by phone at: 1-888-763-2224
See Ticket Price Info Here


Back to Index



Kamloops Cowboy Festival 2009 Review by Mag Mawhinney

13th ANNUAL KAMLOOPS COWBOY FESTIVAL
March 13-15, 2009

All photos by Donna & Jerry unless otherwise stated

"Festival Bound"! That was the enticing invitation, beautifully painted by this year's festival poster artist, Lesley White. The image of a cowboy troubadour on horseback depicted the true essence of what a cowboy festival is all about. Folks were "bound" to have a wonderful time as soon as they walked through the doors of Forsters Convention Centre. Through a bustle of activity, volunteers were ready to steer them in the right direction to hear great music and poetry and to view some of the highest quality western craftsmanship found anywhere.

click to enlarge
2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival Poster

 

Festival organizers with two-way radios flashing on their hips and over 100 hard-working volunteers did their very best to make everyone feel welcome and to ensure everything ran smoothly. This event increases in popularity each year and Forsters staff was very helpful, working diligently to make folks comfortable. Their delicious buffet dinners were plentiful with lots of variety and they were speedy in setting up extra seating for the over-flow crowd after the dinners in the theatre. That was even needed for the kick-off party on Thursday night! A huge crowd of weekend pass holders came to listen to a mix of Rising Stars "jam" with some of the

click to enlarge 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival
Gordie West and
Mike Dygert

seasoned performers. These jams continued after the features every night and even spilled over into the Green Room. Singer/musician Gordie West, bass player Mike Dygert, along with honky tonk piano player Jinny Lowe from Idaho, entertained folks in fine style during the dinner hours. As part of the after dinner show, can can dancers Les Folles Jambettes brought their lively act down the aisles and danced to some music reminiscent of the gold rush days.

click to enlarge 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival
Jinny Lowe

In the festival store, photos of poets and pickers were highly visible above their products and the room was large and accommodating, complete with signing table. The huge room across the hall held The Western Art and Gear Show and 50 artisans and trades people displayed their excellent works. Among the most unique was Jordan Straker's magnificent woodcarvings, pieces of the west so life-like you'd swear they were real! Jordan donated one of his carvings to the BCCHS to raise funds for future art show prize money and the lucky bidder went home very happy.

All 43 performers, ranging from preteen to octogenarian, were uniquely talented and well-received by appreciative audiences. Eleven Americans added greatly to the success of the festival and one of them was the oldest--eighty-seven-year-old, award-winning poet Georgie Sicking. She was as sharp as a tack and proudly told her stories with a style befitting a true "cowboy". There were many standing ovations throughout the weekend and no performer received more than singer/master guitarist Ed Peekeekoot. He gets my vote as the "all-round entertainer" of the festival. His charisma, humour and talent that just wouldn’t quit, lit up the stage. He literally became one with every instrument he played...and I counted four. He even had the

click to enlarge 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival
One of Jordon Straker's Wood Carvings

northern lights magically dancing on his guitar strings, but when he played "Malaguena", the crowd went wild! He cheerfully accompanied other performers, including one of the Rising Stars, and filled in spots where entertainment was needed. I also commend the enthusiasm of Horse Crazy, three fun-loving gals from Washington State. They are talented singers/musicians in their own right, but their harmony is outstanding!

click to enlarge 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival
Ed Peekeekoot

They just love to perform and that comes across every time they step up to the mics. One time, in the open mic area in the Fireside Room at the Calvary Community Church, only four people were in the audience, but Horse Crazy entertained as though there were five hundred ... but it wasn't long before the room was full. One of the gals from this musical group won the commemorative 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival silver belt buckle which was raffled off and you couldn’t wipe the smile from her face. Congratulations, Jennifer!

Photo by Mark
click to enlarge 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival
Jennifer with
her new buckle

click to enlarge 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival
Naomi Bristow

Performers had alternate sets on main stages at Forsters and the Church and open mics were set up in the Fireside Room and in one corner of the Trade Show area. These small stages were also utilized for the two preliminary rounds of the Rising Stars Showcase, where judges based their findings from a list of requirements on their ballots. The final round was presented in the dinner theatre on Sunday afternoon and the winners of each category, one for poetry and one for music, received a cheque for $1,000 from CKJC Country 103, the sponsors of the event. Eleven-year-old singer, Naomi Bristow from Ontario, won the hearts of the judges and audience with her polished stage presence and superb yodeling and cowboy poet, Mel

click to enlarge 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival
Mel Brown

Brown from Alberta, rhymed some great cowboy logic to rack up the votes. Tiffany Dowhan, Scott Laitre, Frank Ritcey and Lyn Melnechenko also lined their pockets with $500 each as runner-ups. Congratulations go to all!

Many other award presentations took place at the festival: an Art of the West Exhibition and Sale with several categories; the BCCHS Student Scholarship Awards (one for cowboy craft, one for written word and three art awards); the Joe Marten Memorial Award for the promotion and preservation of Cowboy/Western Heritage in the province of BC; four inductions into the Cowboy Hall of Fame; one fundraiser silent auction for saddle maker, Don Loewen, who had been hospitalized and another silent auction of many western products for the BCCHS Student Scholarship funds. There were also several workshops and seminars throughout the weekend and I attended Gary Fjellgaard's hour on songwriting. About 35 novices bent their ears to Gary's expertise as one of our country's most creative songwriters.

Photo by Liz Twan
click to enlarge 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival
John Schnurrenberger
received the Joe Marten Award for his western art.

This photo, by Liz Twan, is of John Schnurrenberger holding the plaque that goes with the Joe Marten Memorial Award for the Preservation of Cowboy Heritage in BC. Also in the photo are Mike Puhallo and Traudl Marten who presented the award to John.

The Monarch District Girl Guides, under the leadership of Linda Puhallo, served up some great vittles all weekend, which included two dinner entrees for about 140 people both Friday and Saturday nights. This played a great service for folks who wished to stay in the Church area to watch the evening presentations instead of attending Forsters' dinner theatre shows.

click to enlarge 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival
Abe Zacharias

Sunday's Cowboy Church was packed to capacity (about 800) and Abe Zacharias welcomed them in by singing some wonderful gospel tunes like "Jesus, It's Me Again". Nine of the main stage performers participated in the service with spiritual poems or songs. The Church's Pastor Don, who has a great sense of humour, came in carrying a match on the end of a stick and presented this "redneck flashlight" to Mike Puhallo. After Mike's story about having a recurrent dream, which in reality had saved his wife's life, Pastor

Photo by Liz Twan
click to enlarge 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival
Bryn Thiessen

Don's joke about "seeing the light only once", got the crowd's attention. Poet/preacher Bryn Thiessen followed that up by advising everyone to pay attention to the signs and to trust God because He's in control.

The Festival ended with one last dinner theatre show where 100 seats were reserved as a token of appreciation to the many wonderful volunteers. Without them, the organizers and all the generous sponsors, the festival could not have taken place. I just know there were many special moments of this event that are "bound" to draw folks back again next year and I'll bet they’ll bring some friends along too.

by Mag Mawhinney


Back to Index



Festival Hours (proposed for 2010)

  • Thursday 7:00 PM Kick off party at Forster's - weekend pass holders only
    Other kick off parties in Kamloops Thursday night
    Info here

  • Friday General Admission
    • Doors only open at 9:00 AM (for ticket purchases only)
    • Trade Show & Art Show, 12:00 PM to 6:45 PM
    • Daytime entertainment 12:00 - 4:45 PM
    • Evening Show (Calvary Church) 7:00 PM
    • Dinner Theatre (Forster's) - happy hour 5:30 - dinner & show 6:30 PM

  • Saturday General Admission
    • Doors open at 10:00 AM
    • Trade Show 10:00 AM to 6:45 PM
    • Art Show 11:00 AM to 6:45 PM
    • Daytime entertainment 11:00 AM - 4:45 PM
    • Evening Show (Calvary Church) 7:00 PM
    • Dinner Theatre (Forster's) - happy hour 5:30 - dinner & show 6:30 PM

  • Sunday General Admission
    • Doors open & entertainment starts at 9:30 AM
    • Cowboy Church (Calvary Church) 10:30 AM to Noon
    • Trade Show & Art Show 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
    • Daytime entertainment (Forster's only) 11:00 AM - 2:45 PM
    • Rising Star Showcase (Forster's only) 3:00 - 5:00 PM
    • Dinner Theatre - happy hour 5:30 then dinner & show - weekend pass holders only

Back to Index



Ticket Information (proposed)

New for 2010 - GST included!!

  • Weekend Pass - $60.00 - Includes everything (except the dinner theatre) all weekend!
  • Evening Show - $30.00 - Includes regular evening performance and daytime admission!
  • Fri or Sat Dinner Theatre - $30.00 upgrade - with a weekend pass - Includes dinner!
  • Fri or Sat Dinner Theatre Only - $60.00 - Includes one evening performance and dinner!
  • Sunday Dinner Theatre - $25.00 upgrade - with a weekend pass - Includes dinner!
  • Day Pass - $10.00 - Includes all daytime entertainment, trade show, and seminars!

New for 2010 - GST included!!


Tickets will be available at The Horsebarn
on Mount Paul Way, BC's biggest and best western wear store. (250) 374-3511

Kamloops Towne Lodge, our Official Host Hotel, has complete packages available.

Hampton Inn is offering special packages for 2010 as well

See the
Accommodation Section for details on both.

The BC Cowboy Heritage Society, Box 137, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5K3.
1-888-763-2224 or Email: cowboys@bcchs.com

There are discounts off normal rates at many of the local motels if you remember to tell them that you are going to attend the Cowboy Festival. Please support our sponsor motels - book at one that is on our list - see the Accommodation List!


Back to Index



Three kick off parties in Kamloops for 2010 (tentatively)
Looking for something fun to do Thursday evening?
Check out the Plaza Heritage Hotel & the South Thompson Inn

Next year, as well as our own kick off party in Forsters,
we're hoping that there will be two other kick off parties - both sound like fun!

The South Thompson Inn and Guest Ranch
A cocktail hour starting at 5:00 PM with live entertainment. Dinner at 6:30 followed by even more lively entertainment. The dance floor will be open. The evening will wind up with a Western Art Auction. If you are, or might be, interested call South Thompson Inn and Guest Ranch at 250-573-3777 or by email at: theinn@stigr.com. Profits from the Art Auction support the BC Cowboy Heritage Society Scholarship Fund.

The Plaza Heritage Hotel
Special Thursday night welcoming party in the Rocksalt Restaurant and Bar. Entertianment in a 'soft' setting from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Have dinner with entertainment and then dance off the calories! If interested email: theplaza@telus.net for details.

Shuttle Service will be available for Cowboy Festival Weekend Pass holders.


Back to Index



The 2009 Performers Line-up:

Here's the entertainer line up for 2009. Biographies and photos
for the following will be available on the Entertainers Bios and Photos.

 
  • Abe Zacharias
  • Al Owchar
  • Alan Moberg
  • Allen Christie
  • Brett Kissel
  • Bryn Thiessen
  • Bud Webb
  • Chuck Irvin
  • Cimarron Sue and Nevada Slim
  • Corky Williams
  • Dave Longworth
  • Diane Tribitt
 
  • Ed Peekeekoot
  • Frank Gleeson
  • Fred Dobirstein
  • Fred Miller
  • Gary Fjellgaard
  • Georgie Sicking
  • Gwen Petersen
  • Gordie West
  • Hazel Rust
  • Horse Crazy
  • Hugh McLennan
  • Jeff Strandquist
  • Jinny Lowe
  • Juni Fisher
 
  • Kent Rollins
  • Larry Krause
  • Les Folles Jambettes
  • Leslie Keltners
  • Lloyd Dolen
  • Mag Mawhinney
  • Matt Robertson
  • Mereline Griffith
  • Mike Dygert
  • Mike Puhallo
  • Sandy Seaton
  • Sharky & Chris Schauer
  • Shirley Field

The Rising Star Showcase - sponsored by CJKC Country 103 Radio

This will be the forth year of the "Country 103 Rising Star Showcase". The last three years have been a great success with an incredible amount of talent taking part - so much talent that we have picked quite a few of the contestants to perform on main stage!

The contest will once again be split into two groups. There will be a section for poets and a section for musicians. Both first place winners will receive $1000 each. The other four finalists (2 poets and 2 musicians) will receive $500 each.

These Rising Stars will be performing throughout the weekend
and the six finalists will be showcased on main stage Sunday afternoon.


If you are interested in being part of the "Rising Star Showcase"
please see the Rising Star Showcase page, which includes an application from.


The 2009 Performance Schedules!
All schedules are subject to change

The evening schedules only (not daytime) are below. If you want the complete schedules pick one of the following PDFs to download it. They include daytime performances and evening performances in both venues. There is a separate schedule for each day.

There is also a list of entertainers with their scheduled sets beside their name if you're hunting a particular show - this includes all performers, both venues, and all three days.

 

Friday Schedule PDF
Saturday Schedule PDF

Sunday Schedule PDF
Schedule list by Entertainer PDF

 

Back to Index


The 2009 Evening Only Performance Schedule!

Daytime schedules are available to download above

All schedules are subject to change

 

March 13th - Calvary Church
Friday Evening - 7:00 PM!

(MC) Hugh McLennan
Dale Hayes
Matt Robertson
Georgie Sicking
Shirley Field
Intermission
Hall of Fame Inductions
Allen Christie
Frank Gleeson
Brett Kissel

 

March 14th - Calvary Church
Saturday Evening - 7:00 PM!

(MC) Dave Longworth
Bryn Thiessen
Chuck Irvin
Fred Miller
Intermission
BCCHS Scholarship Awards
Joe Marten Award
Juni Fisher
Kent Rollins
Gary Fjellgaard

 

March 13th - Dinner Theatre
Forsters Convention Centre

5:30 Happy Hour - 6:30 Dinner!
Jinny Lowe, Gordie West
After Dinner Show
Les Folles Jambettes
(MC) Dave Longworth
Cimarron Sue and Nevada Slim
Mag Mawhinney
Fred Doberstein
Merelene Griffith
Intermission
Jeff Strandquist
Larry Krause
Corky Williams
Horse Crazy

 

March 14th - Dinner Theatre
Forsters Convention Centre

5:30 Happy Hour - 6:30 Dinner!
Ginny Lowe, Gordie West
After Dinner Show
Les Folles Jambettes
(MC) Hugh McLennan
Lloyd Dolen
Gwen Petersen
Al Owchar
Leslie Keltner
Intermission
Sandy Seaton
Alan Moberg
Diane Tribitt
Ed Peekeekoot

There will also be a Sunday evening dinner theatre show at Forsters Convention Centre. Seating for this show will be for weekend pass holders only. At this point in time it looks like we'll have a tremendous show with Alan Moberg, Ed Peekeekoot, Gary Fjellgaard, and Brett Kissel. Mike Puhallo will MC.


Back to Index



Workshops and Seminars that took place at the 2009 Festival

Sponsored by CJKC Country 103 Radio

Once again this year, CJKC Country 103 Radio is sponsoring our workshops and seminars. Song writers!! look what we have in store for you this year. Four top name songwriters will be sharing their secrets with you!

Guitar players - want to learn some pickin' techniques from one of the best guitar pickers around? Ed Peekeekoot will be sharing some of his secrets - check the schedule to see when and where.

There are a lot of other workshops too, and they're put on by some of the best - don't miss out. Here's a tentative schedule - with times and locations. All the workshops will be educational, informative, and a lot of fun. Past years have shown them to be the most popular additional activity at the festival.

Workshops and Seminars - tenative schedule
Please note all workshops and Seminars will be held at the Calvary Church


Friday
2:00 PM workshop room #1 - Song Writing - Juni Fisher
3:00 PM workshop room #2 - Marketing your product - Mike Puhallo
4:00 PM workshop room #1 - Poetry Writing - Mike Puhallo

Saturday
11:00 AM workshop room #1 - About Saddles - Chuck Stormes (Judge of the Saddle Show)
12:00 noon - workshop room #2 - Chuck Wagon Cooking - Kent Rollins
1:00 PM workshop room #1 - Bronze Sculpture - Linda Kelly
2:00 PM - workshop room #2 - Poetry Writing - Sandy Seaton
3:00 PM - workshop room #1 - Song Writing - Gary Fjellgaard
4:00 PM - workshop room #2 - Guitar Pickin' - Ed Peekeekoot - imagine what you could learn here!

Sunday
12:00 noon - workshop room #1 - Photography - Peter Castonguay
1:00 PM - workshop room #2 - Saddles - Bob Kaufman Saddle/Tack - Care and Purchasing
2:00 PM - workshop room #2 - Song Writing - Gospel - Alan Moberg
3:00 PM - workshop room #1 - Yodeling - Shirley Field (yodeling don't have to hurt!)


Back to Index



The Western Art and Gear Show!

Click here to go to the 2009 Trade Show Page!

As well as all the above entertainment we also have a Western Art and Gear Show that will run all weekend long! The exhibitors in this show are some of the finest cowboy craftsmen and artists in North America! There will be a variety of booths selling and taking orders for saddles and leather work, western clothing, cowboy hats, books, jewelry, lots of art, bronzes, and some educational booths!

Here is a list of exhibitors that took part in the 2009 Festival


  • Adeline Halvorson Art
  • Anita Klein Art
  • Bar O Seven Ironworks
  • BC Cowboy Heritage Society
  • BC Rodeo Association
  • Beejeweled Custom Jewelery
  • Bob Kaufman Sadllery
  • Canadian Cowboy Country magazine
  • Cango Grannies Print Sale
  • Cariboo Saddlery
  • Chris Kind - Author
  • Cowboys' Choice
  • Cowboy Classic Equipment
  • Cowboy Wildlife Photography
  • Coyote Blue
  • Dennis Weber Artist
  • Doubletree Creations
  • Dragonfly Pottery
  • Equine D'oro by Ken
  • Fantasy Toys
  • Farm House Collectables
  • Fifth Ave Collection Jewellry
  • Fresh Gear Cleaning
  • Gena LaCoste Artist
  • Grey Wolf Metal Art
  • HangACowboy.com Photography
  • H2OKay Creative

  • Historic O'Keefe Ranch
  • Hope River Metal Art
  • Joanne's Saddle Blankets
  • Jordan Straker Art
  • Judy Vanderveen Art
  • Kactus Western Wear
  • Kamloops Wish Trail Ride
  • Lazy B Stock Horse
  • Lesley White Art
  • Longhorn Rope Creations
  • McGlasson Custom Boots
  • Medicine Man Gallery
  • Mountain Hi Soapworks
  • M-TE Stitches Embroidery
  • Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin
  • Natural Images Art
  • Original Cariboo Stirrups
  • Peter Castonguay Photography
  • Ragg Bagg Shop
  • Ranches Only.Com
  • Richard Tenisch, Silversmith
  • Shannon Lawlor Fine Art Inc
  • SweetWater Bronze
  • Tara Gardner Western Art
  • VanCleave Silver
  • Western Canada Heritage Centre
  • Willis Entertainment

For photos and write-ups on some of the exhibitors see The Trade Show Page!


Back to Index


Live in Alberta?
Want to see the Kamloops Cowboy Festival
without the worry of winter driving?

Give Parsons Holiday Tours a call as they will be coming to the
2010 Kamloops Cowboy Festival. Here's some information:

Parsons Holiday Tours Ltd
Tours Depart Lacombe with pick ups en route.
Parsons Holiday Tours Ltd   1-800-590-9983 or (403)782-6341
Box 6111, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1X5.  
parsonsh@telus.net
www.parsonsholidaytours.ca   See Canadian Tours


Back to Index


Where Are We?

The Kamloops Cowboy Festival is held in two great venues - across the road from each other. Forster's Conference Centre and the Calvary Community Church! We'll be running a shuttle service between venues.

Forster's Conference Centre is located at 1250 Rogers Way and the Calvary Community Church is at 1205 Rogers Way - just off of Highway #1 in Kamloops, BC, Canada. Kamloops is one of the few places that you can not only take in a super Cowboy Festival, but you can also bring your snow skis and your golf clubs and enjoy a week long holiday in March! Remember to tell your motel that you are attending the Cowboy Festival, as they are offering discount rates! For more information phone 1-888-763-2224 (in Canada), outside Canada phone: (250)579-5667, or Email: cowboys@bcchs.com

Click here for a Map!

Back to Index


Accommodation

Just say that you're going to the Cowboy Festival and the following sponsors will give you a special "Festival Rate!" Don't forget to tell them, though. If you do need accommodation please stay at one of the following as they do sponsor the Festival.

The prices quoted below are as accurate as possible but if the motels have not supplied us with current information then these prices may not be correct .... please let us know if the prices here are not the same as what the motel quotes you. Also motels may block a number of rooms at the following prices and when they are gone, they will go back to their normal price. We have no control of this.


Our Official Host Hotel
Kamloop's Green Hotel

Our Official Host Hotel - Kamloops Towne Lodge
Kamloops Towne Lodge (formerly Best Western)
1250 Rogers Way (Festival Headquarters)
Phone 1-800-665-6674 or (250) 828-6660
Email: info@kamloopstownelodge.com
www.kamloopstownelodge.com

Our Official Host Hotel - Kamloops Towne Lodge

single $105 or
$115 double for standard or view rooms (limited space).

Please quote: Cowboy Festival

Special package prices at the headquarters hotel!
$240 per person plus GST (based on Double Occupancy). Please note package change. Includes the three nights in a standard room, two full festival weekend passes and 2 tickets to either Friday or Saturday Dinner Theatre Show (reserved seating - please let us know if you want to sit with anyone). Also includes the new Thursday Night Get-Acquainted Party!

Upgrades - King or Poolside: $20.00 per person   *   One Bedroom Suite $75.00 per person (plus GST)

You never have to leave the building!


South Thompson Inn Guest Ranch
and Conference Centre

3438 Shuswap Road, (Lafarge Exit)
Quietly nestled on 55 scenic acres stretching along the banks of the South Thompson River. Boutique guest rooms, bourbon lounge, room to breath and views to enjoy! Kentucky style Inn - Western Hospitality!
Phone: 1-800-797-7713 or (250) 573-3777
theinn@stigr.com
www.stigr.com

single or double $99
Stable suites with kitchenettes $99.00 (sg/db) Bring your horses - bed & bale!!

South Thompson Inn Guest Ranch and Conference Centre

* * * Shuttle Buses will be available to the Cowboy Festival * * *


Hampton Inn
1245 Rogers Way (just 2 doors away!)
Your room includes a complimentary self serve
hot breakfast bar (6:00am - 10:00am)
Phone 1-866-571-7897 or (250) 571-7897
Email: kambc_hampton@hilton.com
www.kamloops.hamptoninn.com

Festival Special
3 night package rate for 2 including weekend
passes and breakfast starting at $397

single $110
double $120
Hot Breakfast Included

South Thompson Inn Guest Ranch and Conference Centre

Free high speed internet access, free premium movie channel, and free use of the indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness room (6:00am - midnight). Suites with a fridge and microwave available. 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!
A proud member of the Hilton Family of Hotels.


Comfort Inn Suites
1810 Rogers Place (1/2 block away)
2 queen with kitchenette $109.00
Mini Suites $159.00
1 bedroom suites $170.00
Full service luxury Hotel
with on site restaurant

Phone 1-888-556-3111 or (250) 372-0987
Email: reservation@comfortinnkamloops.com
www.comfort.kamloops.com

King or 2 Queen $99

Comfort Inn Logo

Conveniently located at exit 368 off the Trans Canada Highway and just walking distance to the main events. We also offer large suites, Jacuzzi Suites, and standard rooms. Indoor pool, waterslide, hot tub, fitness room, and wireless high speed internet. Our Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast is sure to please your morning appetite.


Travelodge Mountview
1225 Rogers Way (right next door)
Phone 1-800-667-8868 or (250) 374-4788
Email: mountview@kamloops.com
www.travelodge.com

$75 including
continental breakfast


Sandman Inn and Suites
550 Columbia Street,
(within walking distance of Cactus Jack's).
Denny's Restaurant on site.
Phone 1-800-726-3626 or (250) 374-1218
Email: jwight@sandman.ca
http://www.sandman.ca

single or double $65
Suite $80


Sandman Motel Logo

Studio Suite with full kitchen $80.00, including free coffee, Bagels, and Juice.


The Kamloops Travelodge
430 Columbia St
Completely renovated rooms and a new indoor pool/spa! Complimentary continental breakfast and discount dinner coupons for Sleepy's Hollow Restaurant. Walking distance to Cactus Jacks Dance Hall and Saloon!!!
Phone 1-877-372-8202 or (250) 372-8202
Email: sleepy@kamloops.com
www.travelodge.kamloops.com

single or double $65
includes breakfast

The Kamloops Travelodge Logo

Riverland Inn & Suites
1530 River Street
Suites & jacuzzi suites also available, please ask for more information when you reserve. Rates include a continental breakfast. Kamloops' only river front Inn located minutes from the Cowboy Festival & downtown.

Phone: 1-800-663-1530 or (250) 374-1530
riverlandinn@shawbiz.ca
www.riverlandinn.kamloops.com

Single $69, Double $79

Riverland Inn & Suites

Plaza Heritage Hotel
405 Victoria St
Phone: 1-250-377-8075
Toll Free: 1-877-977-5292
Email: theplaza@telus.net
www.plazaheritagehotel.com

Standard Room $75
Please quote
"Cowboy Festival"
Plaza Heritage Hotel

Special Cowboy Festival Rate:
$75.00/night plus tax for a standard room based on single or double occupancy. Rate includes "Cowboy Breakfast" daily, consisting of Scrambled Eggs, Hashbrowns, Toast and Coffee or Tea. We are in the heart of downtown, close to shopping, the casino, restaurants and night life. Offered onsite - 'rocksalt restaurant and bar' - top notch cuisine, an extensive beverage menu and a great atmosphere. Please quote "Cowboy Festival" to receive your special rate.
Special Thursday night welcoming party in the Rocksalt Restaurant and Bar. Brandan Rose and the Bunch Grass Band will play traditional country music with a 'soft' setting from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Have dinner with entertainment and then dance off the calories!


Four Points by Sheraton Kamloops
1175 Rogers Way
Phone: 1-250-374 4144
Toll Free: 1-888-836-4411
Email: guestservices@fourpointskamloops.com
www.fourpoints.com/kamloops

Please quote "Cowboy Festival"

Traditional Room $$99
Deluxe King Rooms $109

Four Points by Sheraton

Located a short walk from the Festival events, conveniently located off of Hwy #5, Exit 368. Kamloops premier hotel property, the Four Points by Sheraton has all the extras that you'll need. Like free high speed internet and free bottled water in ever room. Ric's Grill, our in house restaurant, is open daily from 6:30am to 10:30pm and the Ric's Lounge, open until 12am for the festival. Come and enjoy the weekend, in Four Points style


Quality Inn
1860 Rogers Place (1/2 block away)
Phone 1-800-575-7322 or (250) 851-0111
Email: qualityinn@kamloops.com
www.qualityinn.kamloops.com

single or double $67


Alpine Motel
1393 Hugh Allan Drive (1 1/2 blocks away)
Phone 1-800-270-1260
Email: alpine@hotmail.com
www.alpine.kamloops.com

single $64 / double $74


Scott's Inn
551-11th Ave & Columbia - Downtown
Phone: 1-800-665-3343
Phone: (250) 372-8221
Email: scottsinn@kamloops.com
www.scottsinn.kamloops.com

single or double
$59.95 / one queen bed
Free Continental Breakfast


Country View Motor Inn
176 Comazzetto Road
Phone: 1-250-374-7222
Toll Free: 1-800-213-6673
Email: countryview@telus.net
www.countryview.kamloops.com

Please quote "Cowboy Festival"

Single Room $69
Double Room $79

Country View Motor Inn

Enjoy moderately priced accommodations in a beautifully landscaped motel and dine at the assortment of nearby restaurants. We are a block from the shopping centre which includes banks, liquor store, grocery, drug store, and restaurants. The Kamloops Wildlife Park is 5 minutes to the East and just minutes from downtown. The Country View Motor Inn is located on the East Trans Canada Highway.


The King Motor Inn
1775 East Trans Canada Highway
Phone: 1-250-372-2800
Toll Free: 1-800-661-6630
Email: kings@Kamloops.com
www.king.kamloops.com

Please quote "Cowboy Festival"

Single Room $69
Double Room $79

Country View Motor Inn

Enjoy moderately priced accommodations in a beautifully landscaped motel and dine at the assortment of nearby restaurants. We are a block from the shopping centre which includes banks, liquor store, grocery, drug store, and restaurants. The Kamloops Wildlife Park is 5 minutes to the East and just minutes from downtown. The King Motor Inn is located on the East Trans Canada Highway.


Howard Johnson Inn Downtown Kamloops
530 Columbia St
Phone: 1-250-372-7761
Toll Free: 1-800-533-9233
Email: howardjohnsoninn@yahoo.ca
www.howardjohnsoninn.kamloops.com

Please quote "Cowboy Festival"

Single or Double $64
Howard Johnson Inn

We offer a complimentary continental breakfast, guest parking, and free wireless Internet access. Rooms with fridge, microwave, and kitchenette are also available. Located on Columbia street in downtown, Howard Johnson is just few minute drive from the main event. Royal Inland Hospital, the Art Gallery, city center, and Kamloops Museum & Archives is within a walking distance.


Thriftlodge
Kamloops
Phone: 1-250-374-2488
Toll Free: 1-800-661-7769
Email: thriftlodge@shaw.ca

Please quote "Cowboy Festival"


Single $57.50
Double $67.85

Kitchenets are available for an additional $10.00 plus taxes. NO PETS ALLOWED. Guest laundry facilities, free wireless internet, free continental breakfast 7:00 - 10: 00 AM.


For folks who want to bring their RV
the Knutsford Campground is two miles up the hill from the Cowboy Festival on the Old Merritt Hwy. They have full hook ups available as well as heated showers and washrooms.
Phone toll free: 1-866-777-1954 or local phone # (250) 372-5380


Thanks for supporting our sponsor motels!
Please remember to ask for the
"Kamloops Cowboy Festival Rate"
when making your reservation.


Back to Index!



Chuck Stormes to judge Art of the West Exhibition and Sale

and do a saddle workshop / seminar at the 2009 Festival

We're proud to be able to say that Chuck Stormes has agreed to come to Kamloops to judge the Canadian Cowboy Country magazine sponsored "Art of the West Exhibition and Sale". We're also really happy to announce that while he is here he has agreed to do a workshop / seminar on saddles. For those of you who don't know who Chuck Stormes is, here's a little about him.

Master Saddle Maker Chuck Storms

His saddles have been on display at every major North American exhibition of western crafts, and, in 1998 he was the first recipient of the City of Calgary's Silver Spur Award for his dedication to the preservation of western culture. Also in 1998, he received the Will Rogers Award from the Academy of Western Artists in Ft Worth, Texas. In 2005, Stormes was granted the honourary title of Associate Curator by Calgary's Glenbow Museum. Chuck is a founding member and past President of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association.

Master Saddle Maker Chuck Storms

Chuck has a deep respect for the traditions of the trade that have led him to a broad understanding not only of historical saddles and their makers, but also of the tack and trappings that evolved with them. He has been a consultant for several private and public collections in Canada and the United States and continues to lecture on the history of the tools of the cowboy trade.

Building on a strong sense of tradition and a deep commitment to fine craftsmanship, Stormes has developed an enviable word-of-mouth reputation. His forty years in the trade have resulted in an unmistakable personal style that clearly reflects many influences.

Today, from a new shop next to the home he shares with his wife, Heather, at the edge of Southern Alberta's foothills, Stormes' saddles, built on trees of his own manufacture, continue to speak eloquently for the superior bloodlines of the old California vaquero saddles.

You can find Chuck's web site at: www.chuckstormes.com


Back to Index



The 2009 Poster, Poster Art, and Poster Artist

The 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival poster art has been picked. This great piece by Lesley White is appropriately named "Festival Bound".


The 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival Poster Art by Lesley White
Click to enlarge

ABOUT THE POSTER:

Lesley White, the Cowboy Festival poster artist for 2006 is back and honored once again to have her work selected for 2009's cowboy gathering.

The concept for this years piece was to visually capture the essence of the Festival by representing the cowboy and his music, traveling to the Festival on what is still considered, by cowboy standards, the best and most reliable mode of transportation. Although, not visible, a collection of new poetry is in his gear ready for its festival debut.

ABOUT THE ARTIST- Lesley White:

Altering the perception of the commonplace, with the use of colour, shadow, light and temperature, Lesley communicates to the viewer that which caught her eye and compelled her to share it. Her subjects are often "up-close and personal", eliminating distracting elements that don't lend strength or interest to the work. She has chosen to specialize in Western Art because the subject excites and inspires her and she is grateful to be in a position to record a treasured but fading way of life.

The scale of her work varies from 11x14 to canvas up to 48x48. As a left handed artist, she paints from right to left, generally painting from background to foreground. She uses thin transparents in the darks so there is still detail in the shadows, leaving the highlights until last. Time spent in the saddle and painting outdoors are the main methods used to gather photo and colour references in order to later compose a painting in her studio.

Lesley is a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and Oil Painters of America. Her work has been juried into the Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Arts, Texas, where her work was awarded artistic excellence. Ducks Unlimited Canada has selected her work the past three years for their National Art Print Portfolio. She has been invited to exhibit her work at venues such as: The Grand National Rodeo, San Francisco; the Phippen Museum, Arizona; Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY; and the Calgary Stampede Western Art Salon, Canada.

Lesley's unyielding passion for the process and a thirst to learn, grow and discover all aspects of fine art, is what keeps her excited and motivated to continue exploring her expressive potential.

See www.oilsbylesley.com for more of Lesley's work.


The 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival Poster Art by Lesley White
Click to enlarge


Back to Index


The Cowboy Festival wouldn't be possible
if it wasn't for our sponsors
If you get a chance drop in and see them - tell them thanks!


We have quite a pile of sponsors lined up - please take a minute or two and go through this list - if you see a sponsor that you could patronise please support them - they support us!


    Platinum Sponsor
  • CJKC Country 103.1
  • Kamloops Towne Lodge - formerly known as Best Western
  • Black Press Group
  • North Thompson Star Journal
  • Canadian Cowboy Country magazine
  • Canada Council For The Arts
    Gold Sponsor
  • Pollard Banknote
  • South Thompson Inn
  • The Horse Barn
  • Spirit of the West
  • Calvary Community Church
  • MSR Web Design
  • Twilight Ranch Productions
  • Dr David Ciriani Inc
    Silver Sponsor
  • Cariboo Radio - Larry Rode
  • Saddle Up magazine
  • TV 7 - Midday
  • Radio NL
  • Rubber Rock Resources
  • Cowboys Choice

    Bronze Sponsor
  • Greenway Equipment
  • Hampton Inn
  • SignRite Signs
  • Lee's Music
  • Cowboy Coffee (up town)
  • Central Equipment
  • Big O Tires
  • Emsland Simmons Black Insurance
    Sponsor
  • Coopers Foods
  • Dearborn Ford
  • Kamloops Dodge Chrysler
  • Comfort Inn Suites
  • Ramada Inn Kamloops
  • Sandman Motel
  • Scott's Inn
  • The Kamloops Travelodge
  • Travelodge - Mountview
  • Riverland Motel
  • Alpine Motel
  • Plaza Heritage Hotel
  • Dilman Enterprises
  • Larry W. Good
  • Highland Valley Copper

  • National Car Rentals
  • Canadian Springs Water
  • Omega Communications
  • Custom Hose and Fittings
  • 100 Mile NetShop Supporters
  • Costco
  • Kal Tire (downtown)
  • Art Knapps
  • Verse Travel Centre
  • Home Hardware
  • KMS Tools
  • Kam Lake View Meats
  • Wall Mart
  • Canadian Tire (Aberdeen)
  • Kamloops Large Animal Clinic
  • Fountain Tire
  • Denny's
  • Surplus Herbies
  • Platinum Auto
  • Rona
  • HSBC

Back to Index



The BC Cowboy Heritage Society
Box 137, Kamloops, BC, Canada, V2C 5K3
Phone:1-888-763-2224
E-mail: cowboys@bcchs.com


 

Home       About BCCHS       Kamloops Cowboy Festival       BC Cowboy Hall of Fame       Heritage Preservation Award
Scholarships       Newsletter       Poet's Page       Coming Events       Trade Show       Membership
Links to Other Sites       Rising Star Showcase       Western Art Show       Festival Entertainers

 

This website built and maintained by MSR Web Design at Meadow Springs Ranch