Trail's End 2011, High River AB, Sept 23rd - 25th, 2011
Review by: Heather "Mountain Mumma" deJong

The second Trails End in High River was a big success from an observer's view point. Two stages with some of the ACPA's best entertainers from morning to night for two days have to be classed as a "don't miss" event on any connoisseur of Cowboy Poetry and Song! The big plus for me is that most of the material featured is original work of our members, some were collaborations between a Poet and a Musician, resulting in entertainment you cannot find on radio or TV.

The "Featured Performers" that rounded out the evening shows were frosting on the cake. Friday evening we were treated to the talents of Doris Daley and Eli Barsi, not much can be said beyond that individually they are memorable but together they make for memories that will be discussed and shared with family and friends until next year. On Saturday evening Gary Fjellgaard took to the stage, Gary always makes his audience feel like friends by sharing snapshots of his life mixed into his song list. In fact until I heard that Gary would be the Saturday evening Featured Entertainer I had planned to be home that night but that is a whole different story!

As those of you who were there know I was in and out of both venues and behind the "Products Table" all weekend. The Merchandisers who set up for the weekend had a good selection of quality wares, prices were reasonable and they were very friendly and helpful. Several commented to me that the sound was such that they could enjoy all the entertainers on the Main Stage so they didn't notice when prospective customers got a little scarce from time to time.

There was a respectable turnout for the AGM and a goodly amount was accomplished including the election of a new Executive and Board of Directors. This is one event I always try to get to because if you aren't there to speak up and be counted then if you don't like what is decided you have no complaint.

I strongly suggest everyone mark their calendars for September 28th to 30th, 2012, the next Trails End in beautiful High River!

I think a pat on the back should go out to the Town of High River and its residents for making the weekend what it was. My personal appreciation goes to the Management of the motel across the street for finding me a bed for Saturday night so I could stay for Gary Fjellgaard without sleeping in my truck and the girls in the Bakery, also across the street, for keeping me in "goodies".

Trail's End 2011 - A Short Snapshot Review
Review by: Jeff Strandquist, Camrose Cowboy Poet

What a pleasant fall day that saw us pack up the trailer and head down to High River for this year's show. We made some new friends and bumped into some old ------ "well a little older friends" -- and the city park was a dream to walk in with the leaves falling. Wonder what those squirrels live on??
We have to hand it to the hard work of the organizers who put it all together!

Lots to do and see all weekend. There was even a bit of entertainment out in the crowd on Saturday night. Every thing is so handy in the building; we could get plum lazy not having to walk anywhere. Harold Webber displayed a lot of history with his collection of riding hard ware. Good to see Gary Fjellgaard again!!

There is that old saying - just when you need the gate, the tickets are hard to sell. These days we have fund raisers and every kind of show going on all the time to compete for the entertainment dollar. So to the folks that gave of their time and talents to put trails end on -- I say - Good on you!!! May all your trails be as pleasant as my walk in your Park.


"Just a line or two to thank you and all the organizers of this year's Trail's End Gathering for all your hard work. Mike & I enjoyed the weekend very much, and to put icing on the cake, I sold lots of jewelry - guaranteed to make me feel good! Count me in for next year!" From Janet Barkwith, Vendor from The Smiling Fox Studio