The BC Cowboy Heritage Society
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You'll probably want to scroll down and read the whole newsletter
but if you do want to jump to a spot here's a list!

Our President's Report
From the Editors
BC Cowboy Heritage Society
Kamloops Cowboy Festival
BC Cowboy Hall of Fame
BCCHS Scholarship Program
Western Art Show & Sale
Western Art & Gear Show
Cowboy Classifieds
Upcoming Events

Rising Stars Showcase
Poster Art for 2008
Cowboy Country TV
Homesteader's Daughter - Review
Brett Kissel News
Cariboo Country Night Review
Spirit of the West
News From Tammy
Mike's Meadow Muffins
10 Years of Meadow Muffins

This web site built and maintained by MSR Web Design!

From the Editors

Kathy and Mark McMillan

I started getting calls in early August about the 2008 Kamloops Cowboy Festival, and thought this is ridiculous - but then I did some figuring and well, ya - it's coming up quick alright. Ads for instance, there are only three issues of most magazines before the Festival. People want to know who the entertainers are, what the prices are, etc, etc. Most of the answers to those questions are in this newsletter, in the Festival Section of this newsletter.

Now, speaking of Festival, we are really happy to announce that this year Canadian Cowboy Country magazine has come on board as a major sponsor! We have worked closely with CCC ever since it's premier issue (released at the very first Kamloops Cowboy Festival in 1997) so it's kind of a natural relationship that we are extremely happy to have. We really want to thank Rob Tanner and his crew at CCC magazine for joining us this year!!

The Country 103 Rising Star Showcase - we are already getting applications in for the 2008 showcase which is great to see! Some new rules have been added and can be seen in the Rising Star article in this newsletter.

The Art of the West Exhibition and Sale. 2008 will see the inclusion of sculpture and saddle-making, in addition to fine wall art - see what the chairman, David Ciriani, has to tell us about the Western Art Show.

Mark McMillan, Editor
msprings@bcinternet.net
www.meadowsprings.com

From the Desk of El Presidenté

Mike Puhallo

Presidents Report, BCCHS Sept 2007

Cool weather has thinned the horseflies out,
along with the rest of their bloodthirsty friends.
Their death is perhaps the most welcome sign,
that fall begins and summer ends!
I hope they all died a hard and painful death!

I had a great summer (except for the bugs). I spent the last few months cowboying in the Jameson Creek and Porcupine Ridge area North West of Kamloops. Having been liberated from the cow business and being in possession of a good string of horses it seemed like the right thing to do!

I have been involved in quite a number of successful cowboy concerts and other events over the summer as well. The Canadian Rockies Cowboy Festival June 1-3 was an outstanding success as was their Blue grass festival three weeks later. On Father's Day weekend, Pincher Creek Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Sam Steele Days in Cranbrook were both well attended. Through the Summer I represented the society and performed poetry at; The Williams Lake Stampede, 108 Ranch Canada Day Celebration, Sheridan Lake July 15 (Country Peddler), The Great Cariboo Ride, Clinton Jamboree, Bulkley Valley Fall Fair and The North Thompson Fall Fair. Attendance seemed to be up at all these events and everywhere I went I met people who have been to The Kamloops Cowboy Festival. Everyone I have talked to about the Festival expressed enthusiasm about returning this Year!

So now it is time to get back down to the business of pulling together another great Festival. I am looking forward to another great year of working with the best team of volunteers on the planet!

Mike Puhallo

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The BC Cowboy Heritage Society

The summer, as usual, has seen no meetings. Our next meeting will be held in Kamloops on Friday, September 21st, at Duffy's Pub. 1:00 for lunch with the meeting starting at 2:00. We have a lot to discuss about the upcoming Kamloops Cowboy Festival as well as the usual BCCHS agenda.

You can see a list of all the board members on the: About Us page.

You can also read all about the BC Cowboy Heritage Society as well as find membership information on the About Us page. You can help support us here at the BC Cowboy Heritage Society by taking out a membership. There are no commitments. We have members all over the world and would love to have more.
It's easy - just fill out a BCCHS Membership Form.

You can get additional information at:
The BC Cowboy Heritage Society
Box 137
Kamloops, BC
V2C 5K3

Phone: 1-888-763-2224, or Email: cowboys@bcchs.com.

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Mark Your Calendar for this Year's Festival!
The 12th Annual Kamloops Cowboy Festival!
March 7th - 9th, 2008!
Plus Thursday night bonus for all weekend pass holders!

This Year's Kamloops Cowboy Festival
There won't be much change this year, as everyone was so happy last year that we figured we better stay about the same for another year. Even the prices will be basically the same as last year - except for a small increase in the cost of the dinner at the Dinner Theatre.

• Weekend Pass - $50.00 - Includes everything (except the dinner theatre) all weekend!
  
• Evening Show - $25.00 - Includes regular evening performance and daytime admission!
  
• Dinner Theatre - $25.00 upgrade - with a weekend pass - Includes dinner!
  
• Dinner Theatre Only - $50.00 - Includes one evening performance and dinner!
  
• Day Pass - $10.00 - Includes all daytime entertainment, trade show, and seminars!

Our headquarters hotel, Best Western Kamloops,
is offering Early Bird special package prices (up to Jan 15th)
of $215 per person (plus tax based on double occupancy).

• Three nights accommodation
• Full Festival Weekend Passes
• Choice of Friday or Saturday Dinner Theatre Show
• Plus the BONUS Thursday Night Get-Acquainted Party!

You never have to leave the building!

Book Early - see details on the Festival page!

The Country Rising Star Showcase will take place again, and will be basically the same - with some small rule changes and additions See Rising Star Showcase.

The Art of the West Exhibition and Sale will be bigger and better with the addition of sculpture and saddle-making. We are also really pleased to put a new sponsor's name on the show! See the Western Art Show article.

The entertainment - now here's a section that we have not quite finalised. You can bet, though, that it'll be as good as, or better than, past years!

Here's a tentative list - we still have to confirm most of these but this is what we're hoping for - plus quite a few others!

• Hugh McLennan
• Dave Longworth
• Mike Puhallo
• Butch Falk
• Doris Daley
• Jessica Noad
• Chelsea Cunningham
• Matt Johnson
• Doris Bircham
• Horse Crazy
• Jeremy Willis
• Chris & Sharky Schauer

• Alan Moberg
• Ed Peekeekoot
• Brian Solmond & Tom Cole
• Frank Gleeson
• Allen Christie
• Don Wudel
• Rick Cormier
• Tim Hus
• Jesse Fowler
• Patricia Willestoft
• Riley Tubbs
• Rob Dinwoodie

A Note From the Volunteer Coordinator
Marg Cordonier

Its been a wonderful summer, cooler, to my liking, and now we're looking at fall leaves. With September comes gathering; fruit, garden stuff, cows and very importantly, our plans for the Cowboy Festival. We have grown beyond our imagination, at least for some of us, so that means planning earlier. For those of us who need to have our ducks in a row, that's good. My message is to remind every present volunteer and those who would like to join us, to put March 6 - 9, 2008 on your calendar. If you are already a volunteer, you are on my list and will be hearing from me. For new interested folks please call me anytime. 250-573-3270

Thank you.
Marg Cordonier
Volunteer Coordinator

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Dear Bubba,
It's thet time agin', ain't it? Put my pen to paper.

I be'n goin' to rodeos and events all summer. Jest had a great time at thet Pro Rodeo in Kamloops! I had lots of time 'cause I went an' bought some of thet Eco-Lawn lawn seed at The Horse Barn this spring. I only had to mow my lawn once ev'ry 2 weeks all summer! An' it needed hardly any waterin'. The lawn looks spektacular! Go an' get some.

Went down to The Horse Barn to see the purty gals. They shore are friendly. Bought a picture for my son at the Bunkhouse Art Gallery. He's doin' up his house in all western. Lookin' purty darn good! That artist Carl Brenders is comin' to The Horse Barn Sept. 24 to do some book signing. I hear he's world famous. You come on down to see him and we'll visit.

Gotta go, wife's hollerin'.
Take care,
Slim

The Horse Barn

A special thanks to the Horse Barn for all they do
for the Kamloops Cowboy Festival.
We really appreciate their support and hope that you will support them - head on down to pick up a new cowboy hat, new jeans, a new western shirt, some new jewelry or a belt buckle, and/or a shiny new pair of boots!

Thanks so much you guys!!

Check out the Horse Barn's web site at: www.horsebarncanada.com.

We are so glad to have the Horse Barn as a major sponsor for the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Kamloops Cowboy Festival.

The Horse Barn
517 Mt Paul Way
Kamloops, BC, V2H 1A9
(250) 374-3511

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The Country 103 Rising Star Showcase

Last year was our first Rising Star Showcase and it was a huge success. We did learn a lot and have consequently made a few rule changes and/or additions for 2008, including splitting the poets and musicians into separate categories.

Here's a little about the Rising Star Showcase:
A contest intended for emerging western entertainers, regardless of age. Entrants may be entertainers, singers, musicians, or poets as long as material is Western / Cowboy. Below are the basic rules - all the rules and an application form are available on the Rising Star Showcase Page

Contestants must be amateur, non-professional performers. For the purpose of the Contest, a person to be considered an amateur must at least meet all of the following criteria:

• someone who is not, nor has ever been, a member of a union connected with public artistic performances
• someone who does not earn, and has not ever earned, more than 50% of his or her annual income from performing
• someone who has not sung or performed on a record, CD or video released for commercial distribution
• someone who is not a party to a management or booking contract with a professional firm or individual who is paid a fee for securing employment in the entertainment field
• someone who does not have a current recording contract with a distribution company

Accepted entrants:

• will be required to submit a bio and photo upon acceptance
• will attend the Festival, perform, and be judged, throughout the Festival
• must purchase a weekend pass(es) and are responsible for their own accommodation, etc
• will be expected to have enough material for the weekend
• may not be members of the BCCHS Board of Directors
• May not be a main stage performer in the same year's Festival
• First place winner of the Competition will not be eligible to compete in any subsequent edition of the Competition

Performance Requirements

• No performance in the semi-finals of the Competition may exceed eight (8) minutes in length as determined by the Judges. The performance is timed from the first sound, or movement, and will include all musical and vocal introductions and tags.
• Groups may have no more than four (4) members
• Accompaniment in any performance must assume the character of true accompaniment. The test shall be whether the act can stand alone without the accompaniment as determined by the Judges in their sole discretion. Without limiting the foregoing the following shall apply to accompaniment:
  Vocal performances: Instrumental accompaniment by the person in the act, or by one other, is allowed, but not both, and must assume the pure character of accompaniment. NO back-up vocals, harmonies or utterances may be used. No exceptions will be made.
  Instrumental group: No accompaniment is allowed, only the instruments being played.

All entrants will be judged with some merit going to each of the following:

• Singing or speaking ability
• Entertaining ability
• Material content
• Stage appearance
• Audience interaction
• Original material (not required but considered)

There will be three finalists in each categorie (Poets and Musicians) picked during the weekend by the judges. These six finalists will be expected to perform a 10 - 12 minute set on the Sunday Feature show.

The winners (one poet and one musician), as selected by the Judges, will receive $1000 each. The other four finalists (2 poets and 2 musicians) will receive $500 each.

The audience may be asked for input, but final selection rests with the judges -
The judges' decision will be final!

Entry Deadline
All entries must be signed and entry forms must be received by the start of the Festival. A maximum of 8 competetors in each catagorie will be allowed to enter on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information and/or an entry form please see the Rising Star Showcase Page on this web site.

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Cariboo Country Night

By Mark McMillan

It was an awesome night at the Watch Lake Community Hall. This year's event was said to be the best yet by many of the folks in the audience. I'm not sure about that, but it could have been - it was a super evening for sure!

Chelsea Cunningham

Rick Kerk-Hecker, Alan Moberg, Chelsea Cunningham, and Ernie Doyle were the four entertainers. They did a short set each before the steaks came off the BBQs and then another set after the meal. The steaks were great thanks to the volunteer cooks, and to Save-On-Foods, who donated them!

Chelsea Cunningham, the winner of the Country Rising Star Showcase at last year's Cowboy Festival, did a super job and won the crowd over. She looked super, her stage presence was great, her guitar picking wonderful, and her voice matched her looks! She sang one song with Alan Moberg that they had done together the night before, and you'd have thought that they had been practicing together for weeks.

Rick Kerk-Hecker had spent the Summer in Mexico and is planning on moving there this month (September) so this is quite likely his last time at Cariboo Country Night. That means that in future years we are going to have to find someone new to sing "Good Night Irene", which has been Rick's signature song for the last few years. He had the crowd singing along with him as he sang a great rendition of "Sixteen Tons" and on top of his sets he played bass for the others throughout the dance. Adios Amigo - we'll miss you next year!

The CCN Band
Rick, Chelsea, Ernie, and Alan

Ernie Doyle

Ernie Doyle's big boomin' voice got everyone's attention with the very first word - and kept it to the very last word. Ernie is always a crowd pleaser, and this year was no different. He seems to pick everyone's favorite songs and he does a good job of them - both in his sets and for the dance!

Alan Moberg was a last minute addition to this year's line up - and a super addition he was! He had the crowd right off the bat as he started out with his most popular song - everyone's favorite " The Williams Lake Stampede". Their attention never changed, though, from song to song. The only difference was that after his last song they all stood up - it was an instantaneous standing

ovation! You could also tell how well he went over when the tally came in from his CD sales! I think this was a record for both Alan and Cariboo Country Night and both were thrilled.

On top of all the entertainment, food, and fun there was also Betsy the cow! (actually her name was something else but we'll call her Betsy for now 'cause I can't remember what her real name was) Anyway, she finally did what she was supposed to do and that was to place a cowpie on someone's lucky square. Gerry Tubbs (Riley's cousin) and Shelly McKewon (cook at the Dusty Rose Pub in 70 Mile House) split the $595 pot.

All in all a really splendid evening at Cariboo Country Night at the Watch Lake Community Hall, Watch Lake, BC.

Alan Moberg

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Joe Marten Memorial Award
for the Preservation of Cowboy Heritage in BC

Who do you know that deserves an award for helping to preserve our Cowboy Heritage. Think about it and then have a look at the Heritage Award page for all the details. There's a page with all the rules and guide lines, a page about Joe Marten, and a page that is a printable nomination form.

Last year's recipients were Paul St. Pierre and Tony Parrott.

Anyone can make a nomination.
The dealine for nominations is November 1st.

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The BC Cowboy Heritage Society Presents

The Art of the West Exhibition and Sale

Sponsored by Canadian Cowboy Country magazine!

There are exciting changes in the Festival's Art Show for 2008. Firstly, we have an incredible new sponsor, Canadian Cowboy Country Magazine. We are proud that they have chosen to sponsor our event, having already sponsored prestigious fine art shows at the Calgary Stampede and the Canadian Finals Rodeo. The art show will be expanding this year as well. 2008 will see the inclusion of sculpture and saddle-making, in addition to fine wall art. We are especially happy to be adding saddle-making to the show as it is our first step toward exhibiting cowboy crafts that have been developed to the level of fine art. Making this particularly exciting is that we have tentatively booked Canadian master saddler, Chuck Stormes to judge the event. He may also be doing a presentation on saddle-making at the festival, so stay tuned for further developments!

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The 2008 Poster Art by Western Artist KW Rose

The Kamloops Cowboy Festival poster art has been picked. This great piece by Kim Rose won the People's Choice award at last year's Western Art Show at the Kamloops Cowboy Festival. Here's a little bit about "Andy and Zeb" from Kim.

Click to enlarge

"Andy Adams is a good friend and a long time cattle buyer, who has recently retired, or so he says! He's had his hands in the cattle industry for over 60 years. With his "retirement", he now has time to come and visit. When he does, he finds a perch, pulls out his pipe and proceeds to tell stories. I believe it would take years to hear all of his stories. On this particular visit, Andy had recently lost his own dog and longtime companion. Our dog, Zeb, took a shine to Andy that day and my wife captured this picture with her camera.

PS Andy and I worked together at Saskatoon Livestock Sales and Andy was standing on the rails above where I lay booggered in the alley on the day of the bull wreck mentioned in my bio (below). All I remember is Andy saying "he's a cowboy just give him his hat and he'll be ok."

PPS Hugh McLennan had me on his radio program to promote a painting done to support the BSE recovery fund. That was in 2004 and one of Hugh's sponsors actually purchased that painting, I still have much appreciation to Hugh for doing that."

Kim W Rose, Western Artist

In true cowboy style, every picture tells a story. Kim is a self-taught artist and carver who has had success in several mediums including acrylic, watercolour and wood. Kim draws upon a myriad of life experiences to tell his stories in the visual mediums. From life on the professional rodeo and chuck wagon circuits to working on various ranches throughout the Western Canadian provinces; there seems to be no end to Kim's artistic impression.

In February of 2003, while working at a stockyard, Kim had a run in with a 2000 lb. bull and as Kim tells it "the bull won". Consequently, while mending a severely broken leg, he turned his attention to painting and carving.

Currently Kim resides at Pike Lake, Saskatchewan (just outside of Saskatoon) with wife Kathy, daughter's Ella and Sophie Jo, two quarter horses, Roxy and Ada, Zeb the border collie and last but not least barn cats J and CC.

For more info on Kim including some of his many shows and awards have a look at his web site at: www.kimwrose.com

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BC Cowboy Heritage Society Scholarships

Are you a graduating student or do you know of one? There are three $500 scholarships avaiable from the BC Cowboy Heritage Society.

• One for an original poem, essay, or short story
• One for a piece of original art work
• One for Cowboy Craftsmanship

The dealine for applications is December 31st. Details are available on the Scholarship page.

For more information, or to forward a submission to the scholarship program,
please phone (250) 377-0743, or Email: cowboys@bcchs.com
or write to the BC Cowboy Heritage Society, Box 137, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5K3.

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The Western Art and Gear Trade Show

The final details are just being ironed out to start booking vendors for our 2008 trade show. With the enthuisiastic response we received from both vendors and patrons, the trade show will once again be in the ballrooms of Forster's Convention Centre allowing larger booths and a more comfortable setting. With the art show expanding, it will be moving to its own venue within the Festival. This will allow room for additional vendors in the trade show. With both old and new vendors already inquiring about booking space, we are looking forward to bringing you the same quality arts, crafts, and gear as in the past, only more!

There is information and an exhibitor application form on the Trade Show page.
Or for more information, or to reserve a booth,
please phone David Ciriani at: (250) 374-9649, or email him at: cowboys@bcchs.com

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An Update on Tammy Gislason!

I know there are many of you out there that are wondering what Tammy's doing so I have included an update for you. Here's what she has to say:

Hi Mark,
It's been a long time since we've talked, I don't know where to start! In January, I went home and recorded a new CD!!! It's ironic, instead of going to Nashville to record, I actually flew out of Nashville to record my CD in Alberta. As soon as the graphics are done, the CD will go to press. Finally! This CD has been a long time in the making.

In February, Pigeon Forge had it's annual Saddle Up Gathering. The City brought in Wylie Gustafson, Belinda Gail, Curly Musgrave, Waddie Mitchell and Brenn Hill. It was the best! (except maybe Kamloops) It really is like a family reunion (-: The theatre where I work, Fiddlers' Feast, brought in Roy "Dusty Rogers" Jr!!! I was really surprised to see how tall he was, he has to be about 6'4". He's a very nice man and put on an amazing show. Everyone loved him so much, they're going to have him back next year.

March was a very busy time because the theatre put together and rehearsed a brand new show. In addition to performing in the show, I perform an all Western pre-show, did the choreography and co-wrote the script. Tammy Pearl and I are having even more fun this year than we did last year!

April-December is the busy season in Pigeon Forge and I've been performing 2-3 shows a day (16 shows per week), 6 days a week. I also still singing at Smoky Mountain Cowboy Church every Sunday. I've met some great friends there and many of them are huge western/cowboy fans. It's the only time of the year, other than the Saddle Up gathering I see people in cowboy hats (-:

Tammy Pearl had a huge honor bestowed upon her in August. She won "Humorist of the Year" at the AWA Will Rogers Awards! I am soooooo jealous of her, those handsome men! I might say though, she was a little disappointed. She heard through the grapevine, Mike Puhallo would be there and she'd have a reunion with her old flame ... but alas, it did not happen.

She did run into an old friend there, BJ Smith!!! He and Ed Brown won "Cowboy Poetry Album of the Year". Tammy Pearl was in hog heaven, catching up on all the latest gossip from up north, and did I get and earful when she came home ;-)

Tammy Pearl

In two weeks I'll be flying out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with the Fiddlers' Feast cast to perform at the 31st Annual Chuckwagons of the West Jamboree. We'll be there September 23-27. I know I'll have a great time, but I also know it will make me terribly homesick. It not just the landscape that is so different, but the people are different out west. I'm not saying I don't love the people I'm working with and the friends that I've made here, but there really is no place like home.

Send my love to everyone back home!   Tammy

PS Don't laugh at me, especially you and Mike, but I have a new member in my family. His name is Gizmo and he's a ... hairless cat!!! My Mom knit him a sweater, because when I bring him back to Canada, he's going to get awfully cold!


Editor's Note:
Well Tammy I was thrilled to get your email and very happy for you as I think you are doing a tremendous job of something that you always wanted to do! Congratulations on the AWA win, too! I was also really happy to hear that you finally have a new CD coming out - that was wonderful news! I'm sure that all of our readers will agree with me on that point and will all be watching for it's arrival. Gizmo .... well ... what can I say ... lets just say - no comment .... :-)

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The BC Cowboy Hall of Fame

Nomination forms and descriptions of categories and mailing information can be found on the BC Cowboy Heritage Society Hall of Fame page. Information can also be obtained by contacting the museum at (250) 392-7404 or by email to: mccwl@uniserve.com or check our website at: www.cowboy-museum.com

Nominations for next year's BC Cowboy Hall of Fame
must be in before December 1st, 2007

The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin in Williams Lake, British Columbia
BC's Only Ranching/Rodeo Museum and Home of the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame. www.cowboy-museum.com

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The Annual 100 Mile House Cowboy Concerts
February 9th, 2008

As usual, we are really looking forward to the annual 100 Mile concerts. That's plural because for the last couple of years we've had to add a matinee to be able to get everyone a seat. Last year both shows were sold out. The matinee starts at 2:00 PM and the evening show starts at 7:00 PM.

The permormers:
It's been a while since Frank Gleeson has been in town and we're pleased to announce that he will be here! I don't think I have to tell anyone what Frank is like but in case you don't know him I guess the easiest description would be - hilarious! Known as the fastest Cowboy Poet in the West, Frank will, without a doubt, have the audience in stitches!

Another favorite in 100 Mile House is Hugh McLennan, host of the Spirit of the West radio show. Hugh will be the evening MC, and will entertain with some Cowboy Poetry.

A new face to the Cowboy entertainment scene, but definitely not new to the entertainment world, is Alan Moberg. Alan wrote "The Williams Lake Stampede" song, which is known to most people, especially in this area. He did a concert at Watch Lake (see the article in this newsletter) on September 8th, a main stage performance at the 100 Mile Fall Fair on the 9th, and two other performances at the Dusty Rose Pub, September 9th and 17th. He was extremely well received at every one!

Another new face to us is a fellow who's name was just brought to my attention, Ed Peekeekoot. Here's what Gary Fjellgaard has to say about Ed: "I have known Ed Peekeekoot for many years. He's a very talented musician and singer from the old school. His guitar playing is exceptional (Chet Atkins comes to mind). He is also a wonderful human being and I would highly recommend him." I don't need to add to that as you all know Gary, and his reputation! I will add though, that Ed's music is "Roots" music, which also includes the true roots of his own Cree heritage!

The 100 Mile House Cowboy Concert is a fund raiser for the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame and we really want to thank these four entertainers for their participation! For more information call Mark at (250) 456-2425 or email him at: msprings@bcinternet.net

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The Homesteader's Daughter

Life and times of Noveta Higgins Leavitt
by Marianne Van Osch

Click to enlarge

A review by Mark McMillan

Marianne Van Osch did a super job of helping promote our BC Heritage by createing this book, "The Homesteader's Daughter". It's well written, easy to read, and captures stories from Noveta Higgins Leavitt that would have otherwise probably been lost.

It starts out around 1914 when Noveta's Dad came up the Cariboo Wagon Road to Homestead at Roe Lake, BC, (near Bridge Lake). Noveta was born in 1917 on this homestead and lived in the same area her entire live. The stories are great and there are lots of names mentioned throughout the book - names that are still familiar today in the same area. The only thing that I thought could have been added was a map so that the reader could take some of the cross country trips with the author.

Marianne Van Osch is an educator and free lance writer who lives in the small community of Forest Grove in the Cariboo District of British Columbia. She is a correspondent for the 100 Mile House Free Press and has had articles published in parenting and women's magazines. This is her second book.

Click to enlarge

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An Update on Brett Kissel!

I know there are many of you out there that are wondering what Brett has been up to to - here's a note to keep you informed:

Brett just returned from the Ottawa SuperEx where he performed for nine days (2 shows per day) at the Giant Tiger Stage. Great city, great exhibition, great country music!

The CCMA Awards Show were aired live from Regina, SK on Monday, September 10th on CBC. For those that didn't see it, Brett was nominated for the second time for the CCMA Rising Star Award. Congratulations Brett.

Following the CCMAs, Brett will be heading to the studio to work on his 4th CD - "My Roots Run Deep" - featuring the clean, clear sounds of cowboy music, along with a couple of originals. The CD will be available at all live concerts, and on line, hopefully by November 15th, 2007. Check out www.brettkissel.com for concert schedule and on-line products.

I heard through the moccasin telegraph that Gary Fjellgaard will be joining Brett in the studio again - to be part of the new album!

Gary Fjellgaard & Brett Kissel, along with Katie Mission will be performing at the fabulous Winspear Centre (Edmonton, Alberta) on Tuesday, November 6, 2007 as a kick-off concert for the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton November 7-11th. For tickets, call the Winspear Centre 1-800-563-5081. Also check out www.cfcw.com - Country Music Station of the Year (2006 CCMA) - for more information, as they are one of the major sponsors!

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Spirit of the West Radio Show Update!

We're please to inform you that the Spirit of the West Radio show is now available on line in a Windows Media format at: www.hugh-mclennan.com. Click on "Spirit of the West", then click on "listen to the Spirit of the West", then sit back and relax as you listen to the latest show!

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Cowboy Country TV hits BC

In talking to folks throughout the Summer I have been amazed at how many people watch Cowboy Country TV - which is great! I think this is a wonderful show and it fits right in with our mandate - to promote and preserve cowboy heritage. It is an Alberta based show but they are giving BC their fare share of airtime.

It was the end June when the crew visited the Cariboo. There was Alanna, who did the interviews, and kept the guys in line, Trevor was the guy that ran the camera, and Larry looked after the sound. All three were super to work with and really new their stuff!

I'm not sure exactly how their schedule went but basically they left a Guest Ranch in the Merritt area and went to Williams Lake where they filmed in the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin - including the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame. From there they came here, to Meadow Springs Ranch, and spent the afternoon filming Hugh McLennan and Lucky.

That night we all (3 guests, 3 film crew, Billie, Hugh, Kathy, and I) went to Leylands B&B on Green Lake for an awesome Prime Rib Dinner! Colleen Leyland is a super chef, and they have a restaurant license for their dining room.

The next morning was spent filming Meadow Springs Ranch. They spent time with Kathy and the horses getting ready for, and leaving on, a trail ride. They shot scenes around the cabins and our little museum. Then out to the bush to get the horses coming in from the trail ride.

Trevor in the CC TV van
Click to enlarge

The interview with Hugh
Click to enlarge

Meg helps line up a shot
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Dinner at Leylands B & B
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From here they were off to the XH Buffalo Ranch at South Green Lake. We joined them, with our guests, on a tour through the buffalo herd and the XH store. Hans does a super job telling everyone about buffalo and Elisabeth looks after everyone in the store where they sell buffalo products like coats, vests, purses, skulls, hides, and meat - the jerky is the best. After the tour we all came back to Meadow Springs for a buffalo burger BBQ.

The trail ride leaving
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The trail ride returns
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Interviewing Hans at the XH
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The Buffalo at the XH
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The next day they carried on - they shot Mike Puhallo (he survived though) cowboying close to his home in West Side. Then they headed out to do stories on both the Gang Ranch and Alkali Lake Ranch before returning to their side of the Rockies!

We don't have all the times yet, as to when the shows will be running but I can give you a couple. The Meadow Springs segment will be on CLT (Canadian Learning Television) on November 29th at 3:30 PM (Pacific time), December 1st at 5:00 PM, and again 8:30 PM. Hugh's episode airs October 11th at 3:30pm and October 13 at 5:00pm and 8:30pm. The BC Cowboy Hall of Fame and the XH Buffalo Ranch will probably air in January or February. We'll try and keep you posted. All episodes of Cowboy Country TV can also be seen on Access TV and a few other stations although the times have not been set at the time of this publication. You will be able to find all times posted at: www.cowboycountrytv.com The program is definitely worth watching so look it up.

Back to Index!

Cowboys Were Not Designed To Walk!

The roan colt lost a front shoe,
on a trail that was mostly rock.
So rather than ride him 'til he got lame,
I stepped down and began to walk.

About three hours, back to the truck,
'though it was down hill all the way.
The Sun beat down and the bugs was fierce,
in the mid part of the day.

As I ambled down that dusty road,
with sweat running in my eyes,
I was wishing I had some extra legs,
an' a tail to swat them flies!

Mike Puhallo

Email Mike at: mikepuhallo@direct.ca
See his web site at: www.twilightranch.com

A Big Thank-You! To everyone who reads Mike's Meadow Muffins and anyone who has ever bought one of my books or CDs.

It is a dozen years since the release of my first book, Rhymes on the Range, and next February will mark the tenth anniversary of my first Meadow Muffins column. It is the support of fans and friends that has allowed me to be one of the very few poets in the world to come close to making a living from my craft.

Once again Thank You! Mike Puhallo

Rhymes on The Range, has been out of print for a year or so and is now going in to second printing and should be available again this Fall. My other five books are available at most book stores as well as at the Horse Barn in Kamloops and Country Feeds in Barrier. (they both also carry my CDs)

For upcoming concert dates or more info check out www.mikepuhallo.com
Or the BC Cowboy Heritage Society site www.bcchs.com

If you need a Poet or MC for your event or if you just want to chat I am pretty easy to get hold of; mikepuhallo@direct.ca Ph (250)579-5667

If you're looking to escape the cold next winter you can help me celebrate ten years worth of Meadow Muffins on our Cowboy Cruise, Feb 10-17, 2008.

7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise From Galveston aboard the Voyageur of the Seas.

Featuring Mike Puhallo, Matt Johnston, Kent Rollins
Workshops, western music, cowboy poetry and much more!
In support of the BC Cowboy Heritage Society
Book soon for Best Prices and reserve your Cabin!
Rhonda at Uniglobe Freedom Travel
Phone 1-800-565-6253, (250) 372-0544 Email: Rhonda.uniglobe@telus.net
Website: www.uniglobefreedomtravel.com For more information

Sponsored in part by The Horse Barn in Kamloops and CJKC Country 103.