The BC Cowboy Heritage Society Proudly Presents

The 18th Anniversary!

The Kamloops Cowboy Festival

March 13th - 16th, 2014

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 Sunday evening Schedule for details!

Our headquarters and host hotel the
Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre

have their specials in place - see details!
Early Bird Specials ends January 15th.

Looking for something else to do while you're in Kamloops this year? The downtown businesses are joining in on the fun, too! There will be open mic stages at a few different coffee shops and rumour has it there might be a downtown treasure hunt as well ...
See the details here

Two BCCHS Fund Raiser Raffles!

The 2013 Commemorative Belt Buckle

This has become a favourite annual raffle. Tickets are $10 each and the winner will receive a solid silver, custom handmade, 2013 Kamloops Cowboy Festival commemorative belt buckle valued at about $750.00. It's a one of a kind buckle too, made by Merritt silversmith Richard Tenisch.

click to enlarge This is last year's buckle

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!

click to enlarge An example of a GreyWolf Metal Art firepit - the raffle prize will have different art work.

The 2013 second, but just as popular, raffle ...

There's two prizes on this one - the first prize is a custom made metal screened firepit donated by GreyWolf Metal Art and valued at $750.00. These firepits are one of their top selling items! The second prize winner will receive two weekend passes for the 2014 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!

Girl Guide Concession "COME CHECK US OUT"

Don't miss out on the meal deal of the weekend ... it's quick, it's very reasonable, and it'll be super good. Plus - you'll be supporting the Girl Guides, too!

That's right, once again the "Girl Guides" will be running the daytime concession at the Calvary Church on Friday and Saturday and will be serving such things as bunwiches, homemade soups, chili & bun, BBQ beef on bun , and beverages hot or cold - all for very reasonable prices!

Also ...
Friday night supper in the church gym will be served from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. - pasta dinner with salads, dinner bun, dessert, and beverage - all for only $15.00.

Saturday night the supper in the church gym will be roast beef dinner with salads, all you can eat chili, dinner bun, beverage, and dessert - only $20.00 - served from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.

Book early for supper as they sell out every year - tickets will be available at the Girl Guide concession the day of the dinner and must be pre-purchased.

Possibly the best grub in town!

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Thursday Night "Welcome to Cowboy Festival" Events!

New for 2013! The Plaza Hotel, after several months of beautification, will be featuring a Thursday evening dinner dance! This "Cowboy Festival Kickoff Dinner & Dance" will feature Eli Barsi and Friends.

There will be a Cowboy Buffet dinner and you can then burn off the calories on the dance floor. There will be shuttle buses running between the Festival and the Plaza Hotel regularly - and it's only a phone call away.

If you don't end up with one of the Plaza Hotel's great accommodation/festival package deals you can still go to this dinner dance - tickets are just $35 plus tax, and are available at the Plaza: 1-877-977-5292 or through us at 1-888-763-2221.

The Cowboy Dinner Buffet will include the following:

• Roast Chicken
• Roast Beef
• Baked Beans
• Corn Chowder
• Mash Potatoes
• Pork Ribs
• Corn Bread
• And Salads
• And Desserts

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Downtown Kamloops joins in on Cowboy Heritage Week

Cowboy Up! Downtown Kamloops!

Downtown Kamloops is joining the fun and festivities of Cowboy Heritage week and the Cowboy Festival. We welcome everyone to our wonderful city and invite you to come Downtown to enjoy the great restaurants, exciting shopping and amazing ambiance in the heart of the "Best Blooming Community" in Canada! Shopping Downtown at our unique and eclectic collection of boutiques is always a delight. Be sure to check out our website www.kcbia.com and Facebook page before and during Festival week for details on Cowboy Festival promotions, contests and a schedule of performers at Downtown venues.

Downtown Entertainment
Several venues Downtown will have open mic performances featuring cowboy musicians, poets and storytellers for your enjoyment.   Venues include:
The Smorgasbord Deli at 7th & Victoria Street from 12:00 - 2:00 pm on Thursday
Casey's Caffeine at 340 Victoria Street Thursday & Friday from 12:00 - 2:00pm
the art we are at 246 Victoria Street Friday 11:00 - 1:00 & Saturday 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Caffe Motivo (formerly Cowboy Coffee) at 220 Victoria Street all three days from 2:00 - 4:00 pm


Log on to our website www.kcbia.com during Festival week for details.

During your stay in Kamloops, grab your hat and point your boots down hill, you don't want to miss Downtown Kamloops ... we have it all!

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Festival Hours

• Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM pre-Festival entertainment at the Horse Barn with Gordie West.
  
  
• Thursday Downtown ... 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Bud Webb will be at the Smorgasbord Deli and someone will be at Casey's Caffeine. From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM someone will be performing at Caffe Motivo. Others may be there as well.
  
  
• Thursday evening: 5:30 PM Happy Hour, 6:00 PM dinner, and 7:00 PM dance at the Plaza Hotel's "Cowboy Festival Kickoff Dinner & Dance". Please note: we do recomend pre-purchasing tickets. Info here.
  
  
• Thursday 7:00 PM Kickoff party at the Kamloops Convention Center - this is free for all weekend pass holders! (but you must have a weekend pass)
  
  
• Friday kick off events at the Horse Barn will have entertainment from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Different Festival entertainers have been scheduled to perform ... there will be a free shuttle service.
  
  
• Friday Downtown ... entertainers will be singing at "the art we are" from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at Casey's Caffeine from noon to 2:00 PM, and at Caffe Motivo from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Ask about the free shuttle service.
  
  
• Friday
  • Doors open at 9:00 AM (for ticket purchases only)
  • Shuttle Bus will be running to the Horse Barn all morning
  • 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 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM the Horse Barn will again have scheduled entertainment with different Festival entertainers performing ... there will be a free shuttle service.
  
  
• Saturday Downtown ... entertainers will be at "the art we are" from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and at Caffe Motivo from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Ask about the free shuttle service.
  
  
• Saturday
  • 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
  • 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

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Ticket Information

All prices will remain the same as they were last year

• Weekend Pass - $65.00 - 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 (Fri & Sat) - $15.00 - Includes daytime entertainment, trade show, & seminars!
  
• Day Pass (Sunday) - $10.00 - Includes daytime entertainment, and trade show!

All prices will remain the same as they were last year

Tickets are available now at:
The Horse Barn on Mount Paul Way, BC's biggest and best western wear store.
Or through us by phoning: 1-888-763-2221 (please don't call the Horse Barn).

Coast Kamloops Hotel, our Official Host Hotel, has complete packages available.
See the Accommodation Section for details.

This year the Plaza Hotel, also has complete packages available as well as their Thursday evening kickoff dinner dance. See the Accommodation Section for details.

The BC Cowboy Heritage Society, Box 137, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5K3.
1-888-763-2221 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!

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Tentative 2013 Performers Line-up:

Here's the tentative entertainer line up for 2013. Biographies and photos
for the following will be available on the Entertainers Bios and Photos.

• Abe Zacharias
• Alan Moberg
• Allen Christie
• Bryn Thiessen
• Bud Webb
• Carol Heuchan
• Dale Justin (McEachern)
• Dave McLure
• Dave Stamey

• Doris Daley
• Eli Barsi
• Frank Gleeson
• Gary Allegretto
• Gary Fjellgaard
• Gordie West
• Hugh McLennan
• Jill Gunnarson
• Matt Robertson

• Mereline Griffith
• Mike Dygert
• Naomi Bristow
• Rob Dinwoodie
• Rodney Nelson
• Shirley Field
• Tiffany Dowhan
• Tim Hus
• Tim Ross

The Rising Star Showcase - sponsored by CJKC Country 103 Radio

The "Country 103 Rising Star Showcase" has 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 contests 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.

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The 2013 Evening Only Performance Schedule!

This is tentative ...
All schedules are subject to change

March 8th - Calvary Church
Friday Evening - 7:00 PM!

(MC) Hugh McLennan
Matt Robertson
Frank Gleeson
Shirley Field
Intermission
Hall of Fame Inductions
Dale McEachern
Mag Mawhinney
Eli Barsi

March 9th - Calvary Church
Saturday Evening - 7:00 PM!

(MC) Dave McClure
Bryn Thiessen
Rob Dinwoodie
Intermission
BCCHS Scholarship Awards
Joe Marten award
Naomi Bristow
Carol Heuchan
Tim Hus

March 8th - Dinner Theatre
Kamloops Convention Centre
Friday Evening

5:30 Happy Hour - 6:30 Dinner!
Gordie West
After Dinner Show
Les Folles Jambettes
(MC) Dave McClure
Tim Ross
Carol Heuchan
Naomi Bristow
Intermission
Gary Allegretto
Doris Daley
Gary Fjellgaard

March 9th - Dinner Theatre
Kamloops Convention Centre
Saturday Evening

5:30 Happy Hour - 6:30 Dinner!
Gordie West
After Dinner Show
Les Folles Jambettes
(MC) Hugh McLennan
Mereline Griffith
Tiffany Dowhan
Jill Gunnarson
Alan Moberg
Intermission
Eli Barsi
Rodney Nelson
Dave Stamey

The Sunday evening dinner theatre show at Forsters Convention Centre will be for weekend pass holders only. This should be a spectacular show - here's the schedule.

The 2013 Performance Schedules!
All schedules are subject to change!!

The evening schedules only (not daytime) are above. 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, as well as the workshop schedule for that day. 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.
Schedule updated February 1st

Friday Schedule PDF
Saturday Schedule PDF

Sunday Schedule PDF
Schedule list by Entertainer PDF

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Workshops and Seminars for the 2013 Festival are:

Sponsored by CJKC Country 103 Radio

All work shops are tenative and subject to change ...

There are a lot of workshops, and they're put on by some of the best - don't miss out. Here's a tentative list. 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
Please note all workshops and Seminars will be held at the Calvary Church
and there will be no workshops on Sunday. Times and room # will be announced at a later date.

Friday
12:00 Workshop room #1 - Don Loewen - Saddles, geared to what the audience wants
1:00 Workshop room #2 - Cowboys Choice - western hats?
2:00 Workshop room #1 - John Cunningham - Live Sound, how to dial it in to best showcase your talent
3:00 Workshop room #2 - Eli Barsi - The Art of Showmanship & Live Stage Performance
4:00 Workshop room #1 - Doris Daley - The Sport of Poetry: Welcome to the Team!

Saturday
11:00 Workshop room #1 - Gary Fjellgaard - song writing
12:00 Workshop room #2 - Carol Heuchan - Writing and Performing Bush Poetry
1:00 Workshop room #1 - Dave Stamey - The Craft of Song Writing
3:00 Workshop room #2 - Gary Allegretto's Learn to Play Cowboy Harmonica Instantly
4:00 Workshop room #1 - Rodney Nelson - the Humourous Side of Cowboy Poetry

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The Western Art and Gear Show!

Click here to go to the 2013 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 potential exhibitors for the 2013 Festival

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

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

Anderson Vacations
from Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta
Toll Free: 1-866-814-7378
tourres@andersonvacations.ca

Anderson Vacations has once again put together a great package for the 2013 Kamloops Cowboy Festival. They'll leave Edmonton and travel south on Queen Elizabeth Hwy picking up folks along the way. The package includes accommodation, a full Festival weekend pass, and all the dinner theatre shows - that's 5 days and 4 nights in the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre - the host hotel - you'll never have to leave the building!

Early Booking Discounts:
• Book 60 days prior: $50.00 discount
• Book 30 days prior: $25.00 discount

Download the Complete Anderson Vacations Information Package

Or you can ride the bus without buying a package for only $225 (plus tax) return! At this price why risk driving winter roads?! 1-866-814-7378

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Where Are We?

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

Kamloops 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!

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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.

Please note: Some hotels that were sponsors in the past are no longer sponsoring us and have therefore been removed from this list - we'd appreciate you supporting our sponsors, thank you!

Our Official Host Hotel

Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre
(formerly Kamloops Towne Lodge)
1250 Rogers Way (Festival Headquarters)
Phone 1-800-665-6674 or 250-828-6660
Email: ckhinfo@coasthotels.com
www.coasthotels.com

March 2013
single $115 or $125 double (plus tax) for standard accommodation with 2 queen beds.
Please quote: Cowboy Festival

Download weekend package rates

2013 Special package prices at the headquarters hotel all prices based on double occupancy!

The following are the Early Bird Special Prices and are only good until January 15th.
(see the weekend package rates card for prices after January 15th.)

Cowboy Festival 3 Night Package based on Thursday night arrival: ($259 per person plus HST based on double occupancy) - 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). This also includes the Thursday Night Get-Acquainted Party!

Cowboy Festival 3 Night Package based on Friday night arrival: ($281 per person plus HST based on double occupancy) - 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). This also includes the Sunday night Dinner Show!

4 Night Package ($338 per person plus HST based on double occupancy) - Includes the four nights in a standard room, two full Festival weekend passes, 2 tickets to either Friday or Saturday Dinner Theatre Show (reserved seating), and 2 tickets to the Sunday Night Dinner Theatre Show. This also includes the Thursday Night Get-Acquainted Party.

Download weekend package rates

Upgrades are available at additional upgrade fees. Please call for more information.

You never have to leave the building!

Plaza Hotel
405 Victoria Street (just a shuttle ride away)
Phone 1-877-977-5292 or 250-377-8075
Newly Renovated !!
Email: reservations@plazaheritagehotel.com
www.theplazahotel.ca

The Plaza Hotel is where the Festival Thursday Night Kickoff Dinner Dance with Eli Barsi and friends will be!

March 2013
single & double $109 (+ tax)

After several months of beautification the Plaza is open once again! They are offering Festival packages and there will be a shuttle bus running from the Festival on a regular bases. Package prices including hotel room, weekend passes, and kick off party dinner dance are as follows:

• 2 nights, weekend pass, cowboy buffet, and dance (with Eli Barsi) $199.00 per person.
• 3 nights, weekend pass, cowboy buffet, and dance (with Eli Barsi) $233.50 per person.
• 4 nights, weekend pass, cowboy buffet, and dance (with Eli Barsi) $278.00 per person.

All above rates are based on double occupancy, are subject to applicable taxes, and are based on availability. For a complete rate sheet see the Rate Card.pdf.

Tickets for the kickoff party are available at $35 per person. This includes a cowboy buffet & live entertainment. Please Contact the Plaza for more info and/or reservations.

Canadas Best Value Inn & Suites
(next door to Coast Hotel, Kamloops Convention
Centre, amd the Calvary Community Church)
Exit 368 off Highway #1
1200 Rogers Way, Kamloops
Phone: 250-374-8100, Toll Free: 1-800-665-4467
Email: canadasbestvalueinn@shaw.ca

Recently renovated rooms

Free continental breakfast, WIFI, parking, and local calls. Ice machine, vending machine and onsite guest laundry. All rooms have a fridge, microwave, TV with cable, Iron, Ironing board, Tea / coffee maker, AM/FM Clock radio, and Hair Dryer.

March 2013
$89 single or double
Kitchenettes &
Pet friendly rooms available
Ask for Cowboy Festival rate

Walking distance to Ric's Grill, On the Rocks Pub,
Duffy's Pub, Tim Horton's, Mc Donald's, Dairy Queen, Triple O Restaurant

Special meal discounts with our parternered restaurants (3 minutes walking distance): ABC Country, Joey's Only Seafood, & Vittorios Italian Restaurant.

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

Your room includes ... a complimentary self serve breakfast bar (6:30am - 9:30am), free high speed internet access, free premium movie channel. All suites come with a fridge and microwave for your convenience!

Two night minimum at this special low rate, thanks.

March 2013
$79 including
continental breakfast
Suites are available at added cost - please ask for rate