Taber Cowboy Poetry
Saturday March 28th, 2009
Taber Msuem
Twelve years, can you believe it?

There is nothing like spending a day listening to some great music and "fantastic" story telling.  The sounds of music and laughter rang out in Taber on Saturday (March 28). Bob Westrop made his way in from Pincher Creek inspite of the snow that fell there and did a superb job as MC for the Museum's annual Cowboy Poetry.

The Oilers, a group of gents from Taber and Grassy Lake opened the show at 1:00pm with their own brand of humour and song, the two sax players have one hundred and thirty eight years of playing experience between them, that's what I call dedication.

Nora Maidman with her melodies and mandolin took center stage next, followed by Bud & Jill Stewart, Ron Sillito, and Kathie Friesen rounding out the first hour of entertainment.  Did you know that Bud Stewart is the only entertainer who has been on the roster for the Taber Cowboy Poetry since year number one? Somehow it just wouldn't be the same without him even though we do like to mix things up a bit each year.

Taber's own Domolewski girls have grown into fine young ladies and poets since they started appearing on our stage a few years ago.  Stacey has made the list of nominees for the Apex Youth Awards in Taber this year.  These awards honor the youth who make a positive difference in our town and our group extends a hearty congrats to her.

Alex Savage, Arne Sorrenson and Bruce Rawling rounded out the list of Taber Entertainers. Dean Oseen, Ron Sillito, Ted Sillito, and Trevor Panczak came down from Lethbridge.

The guys of Double Diamond made it from Medicine Hat way and Lloyd's sons even joined them on stage for one song. Larry Krause came down from Paddockwood, Saskatchewan and BJ Smith from Diamond City appeared as the Mountie Poet and then back again as the Cowboy Poet.

This well rounded group of entertainers kept the audience enthralled and entertained throughout the day.  Painters, a photographer, a potter and a writer sold their wares at the back of the room, the Museum ladies fed the hungry throng beef on a bun with beans and East End Deli was there to satisfy those of us with a sweet tooth.  Great ice cream, pies, cookies and other assorted goodies.

There was one cowgirl there who must have had a rough ride in as she spent the day sleeping with her saddle as a pillow beside the campfire.  Oh! Now that I think about it, maybe she was part of the decorations.  A fence post gate led everyone onto the floor, hay bales, rose bushes, pussy willows, etc. Made the entire hall look festive.