5th Annual Elko Festival of Entertainers, August 13th - 14th, 2011
Review by: Mag Mawhinney

The warmth of the August sun couldn't compete with the warm hospitality committee members extended to all who attended their annual event in Elko's old community hall. It was just like one big happy family! Just ask freelance photographer, Pat Brewer, who came all the way from Kamloops to attend the event. She thought the weekend was awesome!

We knew there was plenty of dry camping on site, so Vern and I decided to arrive on Thursday to settle in. That evening, organizer Garfield Johnson offered to drive us as well as Tex Florence to Jaffray for a bite to eat, then later took us on a sight seeing tour of the area. He kept up a running commentary as he showed us around the resorts and logging mill where he once worked. His knowledge of the surrounding countryside was extensive and very informative, but it was his hilarious life stories, which got most of our attention. Vern and I still laugh whenever we think about it.

The event kicked off at 2 pm on Saturday. Country roots musician, Larry Krause, came all the way from Saskatchewan and did an excellent job as MC for the entire weekend. I know folks enjoyed his songs because there weren't many of his CDs left on the table come Sunday.

Country/gospel singer, Abe Zacharias, had to hustle from a performance in Revelstoke the night before, but made it to Elko in plenty of time before the afternoon's festivities. His songs were definitely well received by the crowd. Both Larry and Abe sang some wonderful original songs and I was really honoured when they sang three of mine. It never ceases to thrill me when a singer creates a melody for my lyrics.

The Keister Family Fiddlers were an absolute joy to watch. The four sisters, aged 16, l4 and 11 year-old twins, were awesome fiddlers and displayed professionalism beyond their years. They also played ugly sticks, sang and clogged while their mother accompanied them on guitar. They smiled throughout the entire performances, showing their love for what they do.

Local singer, songwriter and producer, Les Bolen, sang and played some of his country/rock tunes, which the audience seemed to enjoy. He also did a fantastic job working the sound equipment throughout the weekend.

Tim Ross, who is a rancher and range management consultant by profession, sang some great original songs, most of them written from experiences while in the saddle. They told about his love of anything western and some revealed his wonderful sense of humour.

Elko rancher/saddle maker/poet, Brian Ironmonger, told some interesting tales full of tongue-in-cheek wit. I also tried my best to entertain folks with my country roots poems and songs. Les Bolen's nephew, Brodie, read some well-written, original poems and I think he'll be back because the crowd sure was responsive in spurring him on. Retired cowboy and poet, Gordon "Tex" Florence, showed up just to take in the event and was put to work reciting some of his stories. He was grinning ear to ear when he sold some CDs and books, despite the fact he wasn't on the roster. It proved folks enjoyed his work.

The delicious smorgasbord on Saturday night was well worth the price of admission. It included chili, beef on a bun, lasagna, several kinds of salads, condiments and dessert. Around midnight, it was all laid out again after a fun-filled "jam" session. I found four cream puffs left over from supper and shared them with Marg Zacharias. We were gloating over our find when they passed around another bucketful of those tiny gems and we laughed as we helped ourselves to a few more.

On Sunday, a big pancake breakfast, including sausage rounds and two eggs, was offered before Cowboy Church. Members of a black powder event, taking place down the highway, came for the pancakes as well as the supper the night before.

Larry Krause began the informal church service by singing a couple of his gospel songs and later gave a short prayer for the safety and well-being of everyone who attended. Abe and the Keister Family joined in with a few gospel tunes and I read two of my spiritual songs. Larry and Abe are both award-winning gospel singers and did a fine job harmonizing to a Dick Damron song, "Jesus, It's Me Again".

One of the organizers, Phyllis Johnson, was presented with a leather binder made by Brian Ironmonger for her dedication to the Elko event. I thought it was a sweet gesture when pins and commemorative pens were given to all the performers. The pens, turned out by President Terry Mercer, were made from different kinds of wood and his wife, Caroline, had inscribed them to mark the event. Each of us also received a cloth Kleenex holder, complete with an Elko emblem on the front.

Vern and I decided to stay over until Monday, so on Sunday afternoon Phyllis and Garfield asked us if we wanted to drive around to take down some of the posters. We ended up going for dinner at the pub in Jaffray and, once again, got to listen to another round of Garfield's hilarious stories. What a wonderful way to wrap up a weekend of pure, down-home country fun!