Ponoka Cowboy Poetry and Music - June 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2011
At the Royal Canadian Legion Br#66
Review by: Mag Mawhinney

Once again, talented ACPA members did themselves up proud at the 4th Annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering and this year it was a 3-day event, preceding the Ponoka Stampede. Folks listened to a variety of country/western/gospel music and poetry, both serious and humourous, performed by: Hazel Rust, Hugh Kelly, Mag Mawhinney, Bryan Bj Smith, Al Owchar, Vic Stuckey, Harold Webber, Abe Zacharias, Bud Stewart, Ken Hunley, Jessica St. Dennis, and Ol' Ugly (John Glawson). Fifty sponsors lent their support to this fun event.

Organizer, Reg Rust, and his committee of volunteers did a mighty fine job, making everyone feel welcome ... and well fed. In the Legion Club House on Friday evening, folks enjoyed free entertainment provided by all the performers, after a "cook yer own" steak barbeque. Everyone circled that grill faster than covered wagons during an Indian raid and you had to keep a sharp eye on your steak, just in case someone rustled it to another spot on the grill. Lots of joking and laughter mingled with the wonderful aroma of sizzling beef and grilled garlic toast.

Saturday's entertainment began at 10 am, then broke for a lunch of soup and sandwiches, which you could purchase at the Legion cafeteria. Music and poetry resumed at 1:30 till 4 pm. Following a delicious roast beef supper with all the trimmings, including homemade pies, the entertainment continued till 9 pm in the auditorium.

A wonderful breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and sausage got everyone up and running on Sunday, followed by Cowboy Church. Nearly all the performers participated by reciting or singing something spiritual before Reg's cousin, Marvin Rust, gave his thought-provoking sermon.

Reg and his committee would love it if you would jingle your spurs on down to next year's event. Yer always welcome at the Ponoka Legion ... folks there are great and the food is awesome!