Vilna Cowboy Fest, July 22nd to 24th, 2011
Review by: Jackson Mackenzie

Vilna's 1st annual Cowboy Fest was a humdinger! It was a rip-snortin', boot stompin', rope twirlin', whip crackin' good ol' time. We had an entertainer's line-up that any performer could be proud to be a part of.

Straight out of the chute was a round robin of the pro poets Doris Daley, Bj Smith and Ed Brown (also a cowboy crooner), joined by local 13 year old rising star, singer Cassidy Zahar, bringing us numbers like "I'm An Old Cow Hand" and "Mariah", as well as yours truly Jackson Mackenzie with those country classics.

The Alberta Country Music Legends (Joyce Smith, Alfie Myhre, Bev Munro, Pete Hicks and Randy Hollar) rounded up the Friday night opener with their captivating show and a dance.

Joining the gala on Saturday was 5 time Eastern Canada dobro champion Bob Glidden, award-winning 15 year old country powerhouse Kayla Patrick and former Grand Ol' Opry member Harry Rusk, accompanied by his wife Gladys and master lap steel player Don Thompson.

We had a heart-warming cowboy church Sunday morning, led by Harry Rusk. Ed Brown brought us inspiration in the epic poem that takes us up the steep mountainside of life's ride and Bj Smith shared his appreciation of the church that God built out where a cowboy worships. Doris Daley shared a "Mary, Merry Christmas" with us in a way that brought out its true significance. We were touched by laughter and light heartedness, drama and deep reflection.

In addition, Lariat Lynn (Janet Weiser), who has performed her trick roping show around the world, was a show-stopper! She looped and twirled, then cracked her bull whip like a pistol shot (hold the marriage jokes - she's heard them all).

Fine artisans in the trade show made shopping a pleasure, and good food was available all week-end.

We look forward to doing it all again with you July 20 - 22, 2012 as we feature Ol' Ugly, Dave Johnston, Bryn Thiessen and Adele Johnson, along with returning favorites Doris Daley, Kayla Patrick, Bob Glidden and more. Visit www.VilnaAgSociety.com and/or www.RememberMyShow.com for updates and contact info. Happy Trails!