Bud Maynard
Ol' Ugly
Al Owchar
Bronc Pilling
Albert Prairie Chicken
Ariana Prairie Chicken
Phyllis Rathwell
Matt Robertson
Hazel Rust
Shiloh Sharrard
Silver Saddles
Silver Sage
Bryan "Bj" Smith
Sootaa Smith
Mariya Soetaert
Bud Stewart
Gordie West Band
Alyssa Barbero
Ed Brown
Bunchgrass Band
Donna Byram
Jesse Colt
Chelsea Cunningham
Alison Demeter
Miriam Dreher-Coulter
Dutch Creek
Bud Edgar
Rod Erickson
Charlie Ewing
Buddy Gale
Frank Gleeson
Morrie Goetjen
Dale "Doc" Hayes
Robert (Bob) Holt
Brian Ironmonger
"Diamond" Doug Keith
Hugh Kelly
Dusty Dee Litchfield
Sid Marty
Mag Mawhinney
Well heck... it was just like that hockey player fella said (or close to it anyway) "Betcha can't have just one..."
...so in 1989 they did it all over again and even added in another day of entertainment.
For The Gathering of 1989 there was a proper brochure printed up, & inside there was a real nice short piece about the 1988 event as well as some photos of the people who were responsible for making this all happen, so that's included here too for your viewing pleasure.
Welcome To Our Archive Page
*The information given in this part of the site has been collected from booklets and brochures printed each year prior to The Gathering.
We are missing some items from our ARCHIVES, so a few of the lists provided below may be a bit short on information.
Our apologies for any omissions, misspellings and any other kinds of misinformation.
Please feel free to Email Us corrections of any kind that you can OR if you can supply any of our missing items on THIS LIST.
Meanwhile... Here's A Little Ride Down Memory Lane For You.
A bit of Nostalgia for you Old-Timers, and a bit of Pincher Creek history for the young'uns.
Our goal here is to give you a look at The Gathering since it started up back in 1988.
You'll see Posters and Program Book artwork, as well as poems, tributes and other informative snippets from Gatherings past.
If you have any souvenirs, photos or even some great memories of The Gathering through the years that
you would like to share with us and others, then PLEASE feel free to get in touch and we'll try to post them RIGHT HERE!
As we near our 25 Year Landmark, come and join us at what we think is something worth preserving and bragging about:
Cowboy Pride and Heritage!
Bill Michie
Larry Miller
The Moncrieffs
Jase Nelson
Ol' Ugly
Vivia Oliver
Al Owchar
Jim Peace
Albert Prairie Chicken
Sierra & Ariana Prairie Chicken
Prairie Sunset Prairie Sunset
Phyllis Rathwell
Matt Robertson
Tim Ross
Emma Lee Rust
Hazel Rust
Reg Rust
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Shiloh Sharrard
Silver Saddles
Silver Sage
Bryan "BJ" Smith
Bud Stewart
Jill Stewart
TOKOMO
Wendy Vaughan
Keith Ward
Hub Whitt
Margaret Wilhelm
Tim Williams
Alyssa Barbero
Joe Bishop
Ken Blacklock
Mike Blair
Jared Brower
Steven Brower
Ed Brown
Chelsea Cunningham
Doris Daley
Dave Dance
Alison Demeter
Miriam Dreher-Coulter
Mike Dygert
Rod Erickson
Charlie Ewing
Jesse Fowler
Buddy Gale
Frank Gleeson
Morrie Goetjen
Mack Hicken
Robert (Bob) Holt
Perry Jacobson
Mariya Jade (Soetaert)
"Diamond" Doug Keith
Hugh Kelly
Larry Krause
Dusty Dee Litchfield
Dusty & Amber Martin
Sid Marty
Mag Mawhinney
Bill Michie
Larry Miller
Ken Mitchell
Slim Mitchell
Jim Munro
Ol' Ugly
Rob Osberg
Al Owchar
Phil Lethbridge & The Westwinds
Albert Prairie Chicken
Mike Puhallo
Glen Rafuse
Phyllis Rathwell
Rawling Brothers
(Doug & Bruce)
Texicana Rose
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Shiloh Sharrard
Bryan "BJ" Smith
Sherry Smith
Erica Stenzel
Bud Stewart
Jill Stewart
Bryn Thiessen
Up The Creek
Susan Vogelaar
Wayne W. Wipf
Abe Zacharias &
The Sons Of The Sage
Brian Anderson
Ken Blacklock
Don Brestler
Russell Brewer
Ed Brown
Bryce Burnett
Canyon School Choir
Len Carroll
Helen Cossitt (Stacey Sue)
Dave Dance
Chuck Darbyshire
Bob Davis
Lloyd Dolen Jr.
Miriam Dreher-Coulter
Charlie Ewing
Maureen Joy Gale
Breanna Green
"Doc" Dale Hayes
Laura Hayes
Robert (Bob) Holt
Stewart Holt
"Diamond" Doug Keith
Cody Keith
Latigo
Lost Canyon Rangers
Penny Marks
Mag Mawhinney
Alexandra McDougall
Darla McGlynn
 | ||||||
Bud Beaton
Bob Holt & Gang
Brady Bowles
Ed Brown
Noel Burles
Bryce Burnett
Garry Chichak
Stew Clayton
Peggy Coleman
Bud Comly
Joan Comly
Sharie Cousins
Doris Daley
Dave Dance
Chuck Darbyshire
Andrew Dexter
Wayne Dolen
Miriam Dreher-Coulter
Ed Dretrich
Danielle Fink
Dustin Fink
Gordon "Tex" Florence
Tammy Gislason
Frank Gleeson
Jim Hamilton
Tim Hus
"Diamond" Doug Keith
Cody Keith
Tom King
Alfreda Knowlton
Clarence Knowlton
Roy Lane
Mike Langdon & Family
Latigo
Carmen Lindsay
Clayton Linthicum
Penny Marks
Linda Austen
Wilbur J. Berge
Doris Bircham
Iven Bryant
Noel Burles
Beatrice Burns
Dean C. Butterfield
Helen Cossitt (Stacey Sue)
Sharie Cousins
Doris Daley
June Elges
Christine Ewert
Karen Ewert
Wayne Ezeard
Buddy Gale
Frank Gleeson
Morrie Goetjen
Art Hagen
Marie Harder
"Doc" Dale Hayes
Arnold Hokanson
Grant Hommy
Larry Koma (Old Coyote)
Barry LaPorte
Carmen Lindsay
Livestock
Shelley Lynch
Jim McAllister
Ken & Pat McConaghie
Dallas McCord
Bud McKague
Neil Meili
Bill Michie
Fred Miller
Howard Norskog
Ol' Ugly
Roy "Ole" Olson
Al Owchar
Ole Betsy's Bunch
(Larry Pawlowski / Warren Taylor)
Casey Peden
Rick Peden
Jim Powers
Mike Puhallo
Glen Rafuse
Phyllis Rathwell
James "J.D." Reitz
George Roberts
Michael Robinson
Linda Robson
Rocky Mountain Yodellers
(Chuck Irvin & Miriam Dreher)
Echo Roy
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Lona Sloane
Bill Smith
Bryan "BJ" Smith
Sherry Smith
Erica Stenzel
Bud Stewart
Bryn Thiessen
Dick & Eunice Threlkeld
(Banjo Pickers)
Dave Tingey
Bill Turner
Marshall Veal
Slim "Fearless" Weegar
Hub & Candy Whitt
Wayne W. Wipf
Wayne Wittevrongel
| ||||||
Fern Brothers
Harry Brothers
Iven Bryant
Noel Burles
Mike Burns
Leanne Buxton
Melissa Christenson
Nancy Christenson
Rachel Christenson
Juanita Clayton
Stew Clayton
Al Collins
Bud Comly
Helen Cossitt (Stacey Sue)
Sharie Cousins
Garry Cunningham
June Elges
Rod Erickson
John Fleming
Ryan Fritz
Buddy Gale
Tammy Gislason
Morrie Goetjen
Barbara Hall
Marie Harder
Arthur Marvin Harwood
Bev Havens
"Doc" Dale Hayes
Patrick Herzog
Bob Jackson
"Diamond" Doug Keith
Larry Koma (Old Coyote)
Barry LaPorte
Latigo
Cassie Lewis
Jim McAllister
Ken McConaghie
Alexandra McDougall
Darla McGlynn
Bud McKague
Neil Meili
Bill Michie
Ol' Ugly
Ole Betsy's Bunch
(Larry Pawlowski / Warren Taylor)
Al Owchar
Trevor Panczak
Casey Peden
Rick Peden
Gordon Peterson
Phil Lethbridge & The Westwinds
Bernard Poelzer
Jim Powers
Prairie Pride
(Michael & Emily Olexson)
Larry Price
Prickly Pears
Mike Puhallo
Terry Raff
Glen Rafuse
Jim Reader
James "J.D." Reitz
(W.J.) Robbie Robertson
Rocky Mountain Yodellers
(Chuck Irvin & Miriam Dreher)
Sagebrush Swing
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Sheldon Scrivner
Floyd Sillito
Bill Smith
Bryan "BJ" Smith
Sherry Smith
Erica Stenzel
Bud Stewart
Stumblin' Stumbleweeds
Bryn Thiessen
Morley Thorpe
Dick Threlkeld
Dave Tingey
Trischuk Family
(Henry, Nathan & Stefan)
Up The Creek
Slim "Fearless" Weegar
Craig West
Gordie West
Wayne W. Wipf
| ||||||
Glen Bair
Ben Beveridge
Garth Bibby
Rose Bibby
Doris Bircham
Jim Boswell
Don Brestler
Gerald Brewin
Iven Bryant
Noel Burles
Beatrice Burns
Mike Burns
Leanne Buxton
Juanita Clayton
Stew Clayton
Al Collins
Bud Comly
Gerald "Jake" Conkin
Helen Cossitt (Stacey Sue)
Sharie Cousins
Cowboy Doug
Lyn DeNaeyer
Lloyd Dolen
June Elges
Wayne Ezeard
Butch Falk
Five Alive
Leon Flick
Brian Gale
Buddy Gale
Frank Gleeson
Barbara Hall
Marie Harder
Arthur Marvin Harwood
Bev Havens
"Doc" Dale Hayes
Bob Jackson
Sam Jackson
Junior Wranglers
"Diamond" Doug Keith
Don Kennington
Larry Koma (Old Coyote)
Tommy Lentz
David Longworth
Shelley Lynch
Jim McAllister
Dallas McCord
Alexandra McDougall
Bud McKague
Bruce Messersmith
Bill Michie
Fred Miller
Howard Norskog
Ol' Ugly
Ole Betsy's Bunch
(Larry Pawlowski / Warren Taylor)
Roy "Ole" Olson
Rob Osberg
Al Owchar
Casey Peden
Rick Peden
Lewis Pederson
Phil Lethbridge & The Westwinds
Jim Powers
Prairie Pride
(Michael & Emily Olexson)
Larry Price
Mike Puhallo
Glen Rafuse
Phyllis Rathwell
Rawling Brothers
(Doug & Bruce)
James "J.D." Reitz
Linda Robson
Rocky Mountain Yodellers
(Chuck Irvin & Miriam Dreher)
Echo Roy
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Sheldon Scrivner
Georgie Sicking
Anne Slade
Lona Sloane
Bill Smith
Sherry Smith
Erica Stenzel
Bud Stewart
Bryn Thiessen
Dick Threlkeld
Dave Tingey
Trischuk Family
(Henry, Nathan & Stefan)
Up The Creek
Marshall Veal
Dean Wadsworth
Slim "Fearless" Weegar
Gordie West
Hub & Candy Whitt
| ||||||
Darla McGlynn
Bill Michie
Howard Norskog
Ol' Ugly
Rob Osberg
Al Owchar
Trevor Panczak
Gordon Peterson
Phil Lethbridge & The Westwinds
Jim Powers
Mike Puhallo
Glen Rafuse
Phyllis Rathwell
Rawling Brothers
(Doug & Bruce)
Jim Reader
Elmer Riehl
Echo Roy
Sagebrush Swing
Lesley Schatz
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Sheldon Scrivner
Shiloh Sharrard
Bryan "BJ" Smith
Sherry Smith
Erica Stenzel
Bud Stewart
Jill Stewart
Wesley Sugden
Bryn Thiessen
Dave Tingey
Wendy Vaughan
Ralph White
Don Wudel
Jamie Baker
Ed Brown
Iven Bryant
Noel Burles
Bryce Burnett
Mike Burns
Stew Clayton
Bud Comly
Joan Comly
Helen Cossitt (Stacey Sue)
Sharie Cousins
Ben Crane
Dave Dance
Chuck Darbyshire
Miriam Dreher-Coulter
June Elges
Rod Erickson
Shirley Field
Jesse Fowler
Brian Gale
Buddy Gale
Tammy Gislason
Frank Gleeson
Barbara Hall
Jim Hamilton
Robert (Bob) Holt
Tim Hus
Bob Ivins
Matt E. Johnston
"Diamond" Doug Keith
Tom King
Clarence Knowlton
Latigo
Jim McAllister
Dallas McCord
| ||||||
Tom Hogarth
Arnold Hokanson
Robert Holland
Carl Huff
Elise Kaufman
Phyllis Kozroski
Barry LaPorte
Mike Logan
Terri Mason
Harvey Mawson
Glenn McKenzie
Neil Meili
Fred Miller
Denis Nagel
Casey Peden
Lewis Pederson
Thelma Poirier
Mike Puhallo
Ivan Radcliffe
Thelma Radcliffe
Doug Richards
George Roberts
James Roberts
(W.J.) Robbie Robertson
Bob Ross
Floyd Sillito
T.J. Skeene
Sherry Smith
Jeff Strandquist
Bryn Thiessen
Betty Thomson
Ellen Trimble
Darryl Vance
Wendy Vaughan
Sheila Vogel
Susan Vogelaar
Bob Westrop
Joan White
JoAnne White
Don Wudel
Arnold Zabel
Neil Andrews
Bob Atkin
Garth Bibby
Rose Bibby
Doris Bircham
Arlene Boisjoli
Don Brestler
Gerald Brewin
Noel Burles
Mrs. Chisholm
Gord Colliar
Gerald "Jake" Conkin
Dana Connelly
Norm Cooper
Ben Crane
Eugene Cyr
Brenna Daley
Doris Daley
Margaret Dinnsen
Rob Dinwoodie
Dirty Hat Band
Lloyd Dolen
Mariam Dredger
Ed Duncombe
Ezra Eberhart
Elizabeth Ebert
Kirk Elliott
Kyle Elliott
Mark Elliott
Donna Elm
Christine Ewert
Karen Ewert
Shirley Field
Audra Foggin
Sherrill Forsyth
Buddy Gale
Morrie Goetjen
Art Hagen
Mr. & Mrs. Hall
Don Henn
| ||||||
Please Help Us Complete Our Archives.
The Gathering celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2012 and we would LOVE to be able to share our archives
with everyone at the event that year.
If you have any of these items that you might consider donating to us, we would LOVE to have them in our
permanent collection. OR if you would consider loaning them to us so that we can make copies and complete
our missing information. Thank You!!
Back in the Fall of 1987 the "Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association" was formed, and not long afterwards in early 1998 or so, a few like-minded people sat around and planned on getting a bunch of Cowboy Poets to perform for a couple of days down here in Pincher Creek. They also figured that if they were going to do that, they should also get some Western Arts & Crafts folk down here too and give the people something to look at as well as listen to.
Then they also added in a Ranchers Fun Rodeo for good measure.
Well, the planning continued and the Pincher Creek & District Agricultural Society helped make it all happen.
This humble little double-sided yellow poster doubled as the brochure, and on June 18 & 19 1988 folks did indeed gather at THE 1st ANNUAL ALBERTA COWBOY POETRY GATHERING in Pincher Creek.
Artist Credits: Don Brestler, Janet Feist Sippola
Artist Credits: Valerie Dahl, Don Brestler
Harvey Mawson
Glenn McKenzie
Peter Milton
Mountain Fiddlers
Gwen Peterson
Phil Lethbridge Band
Keith Robertson
Bob Ross
Jim Ross
Allen Schattle
James Schearer
Bryn Thiessen
Wendy Vaughan
Jan Williams
Don Wudel
Coralie Adams
Arlene Boisjoli
Don Brestler
Gerald "Jake" Conklin
Ernie Cridland
Eugene Cyr
Margaret Dinnsen
Lloyd Dolen
Roland Eastman
Ezra Eberhart
Valda Ellison
Betty Lynn Grue
Bill Hobden
Stan Iverson
Mike Logan
| ||||||
1988
Gwen Peterson
Gaelynd Pilling
Bob Ross
Jim Ross
Bryn Thiessen
Don Wudel
Roland Eastman
Betty Lynn Grue
Mike Logan
Harvey Mawson
| ||||||
1989
Coralie Adams
Don Akerlow
Pam Andruchow
Lois Argue
Ron Aselton
Mickey Badger
Ed Bell
Arlene Boisjoli
Don Brestler
Harry Brothers
Bill Carlson
Gord Colliar
Gerald "Jake" Conkin
Ben Crane
Eugene Cyr
Margaret Dinnsen
Don Drobot
Roland Eastman
Ezra Eberhart
Tom Hogarth
Robert Holland
Fern Jensen
Cliff Kerr
Katie Kidwell
Kel Kramer
Mike Logan
Harvey Mawson
Glenn McKenzie
Agnes Mitchell
Steve Mott
Denis Nagel
Raleigh Perry
Glen Rafuse
Bob Ross
Jim Ross
Sandy Seaton
Southbound
Robert Strader
Jeff Strandquist
Bryn Thiessen
Jordie Thomson
Wendy Vaughan
Susan Vogelaar
Wildrose Bluegrass
Allen Wilson
Don Wudel
| ||||||
1990
Idaho Poet
Fern Jensen
Kel Kramer
Kunkel Brothers
Last Chance Bluegrass
Glenn McKenzie
Fred Miller
Agnes Mitchell
Lewis Pederson
Raleigh Perry
Bronc Pilling
Curt Pilling
George Roberts
Bob Ross
Cheryl Stanley
Erica Stenzel
Robert Strader
Bryn Thiessen
Jordie Thomson
Wendy Vaughan
Susan Vogelaar
Wildrose Bluegrass
Tim Williams
Don Wudel
Coralie Adams
Ed Bell
Rose Bibby
Doris Bircham
Arlene Boisjoli
Don Brestler
Harry Brothers
Bill Carlson
Gord Colliar
Idabell Corbett Cramer
Helen Cossitt (Stacey Sue)
Ben Crane
Eugene Cyr
Doris Daley
Mark Daley
Margaret Dinnsen
Dirty Hat Band
Lloyd Dolen
Sky Floyd Drew
Ezra Eberhart
Marguerite Fraser
Roberta Green
Tom Hogarth
| ||||||
Posters
(Signed or not)
2006 (large)
Brochures
(Folded sheets with the list of Performers, Times and Events)
1988? (Maybe wasn't one)
1989
1990 (Incomplete Copy)
1992
2003
Last Chance Bluegrass
George Lyon
Harvey Mawson
Glenn McKenzie
Neil Meili
Michael Brothers
Fred Miller
Agnes Mitchell
Liam Neville
Lewis Pederson
Gaelynd Pilling
Thelma Poirier
Doug Richards
George Roberts
James Roberts
(W.J.) Robbie Robertson
Bob Ross
Jim Ross
Robert Strader
Bryn Thiessen
Wendy Vaughan
Susan Vogelaar
Don Wudel
Coralie Adams
Rose Bibby
Doris Bircham
Don Brestler
Don Cadden
Bill Carlson
Gord Colliar
Gerald "Jake" Conkin
Ben Crane
Sharman Crane
Doris Daley
Mark Daley
Margaret Dinnsen
Dirty Hat Band
Lloyd Dolen
Ezra Eberhart
Christine Ewert
Karen Ewert
Ryan Fritz
Art Hagen
Tom Hogarth
Sid Holt
Bob Ivins
| ||||||
1992
The one that started it all. 1988's poster / brochure had all the info that you needed to know.
Not sure exactly which year this
flyer was printed, but it says just what it's all about in not too many words.
Donna Alm
Neil Andrews
Bob Atkin
Bert Bartley
Garth Bibby
Rose Bibby
Doris Bircham
Arlene Boisjoli
Marion Booth
Don Brestler
Gerald Brewin
Leanne Buxton
Rob Chisholm
Cody Cooper
Norm Cooper
Ben Crane
Valerie Dahl
Brenna Daley
Doris Daley
Rob Dinwoodie
Dirty Hat Band
Lloyd Dolen
Wayne Dolen
John Drobot
Ed Duncombe
Ezra Eberhart
Kirk Elliott
Kyle Elliott
Mark Elliott
Christine Ewert
Karen Ewert
Charlie Ewing
Shirley Field
Sherrill Forsyth
Buddy Gale
John Gattey
Frank Gleeson
Morrie Goetjen
Art Hagen
Belle Hall
Don Henn
Tom Hogarth
Robert Holland
Phyllis Kozroski
Barry LaPorte
Corb "Corby" Lund
Terri Mason
Harvey Mawson
Bud McKague
Dan McLelland
Neil Meili
Fred Miller
Alanna Murray
Rob Osberg
Casey Peden
Rick Peden
Lewis Pederson
Tamara Pederson
Mike Puhallo
Ivan Radcliffe
George Roberts
James Roberts
(W.J.) Robbie Robertson
Kaylie Rooke
Bob Ross
Nancy Ross
Dean Skidmore
Anne Slade
Sherry Smith
Bryn Thiessen
Darryl Vance
Henk VanTuyl
Wendy Vaughan
Susan Vogelaar
Les Wamboldt
Bill Wearmouth
Irene Wert
Wayne Wittevrongel
Don Wudel
| ||||||
The Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association lost Allen Schattle in December of 1989.
A tribute to Allen was included in the 1990 brochure
Donna Alm
Harold Anderson
Neil Andrews
Bob Atkin
Jamie Baker
Garth Bibby
Rose Bibby
Doris Bircham
Arden Body
Arlene Boisjoli
Bill Brandal
Brian Brannon
Don Brestler
Gerald Brewin
Ruth Burleigh
Noel Burles
Leanne Buxton
Rob Chisholm
Ernest Clement
Gerald "Jake" Conkin
Ben Crane
Valerie Dahl
Brenna Daley
Doris Daley
Lloyd Dolen
John Drobot
Ezra Eberhart
June Elges
Oral Elser
Rusty Endecott
Christine Ewert
Karen Ewert
Charlie Ewing
Fall River Boys
(Jeff Muench & Mark Seeley)
Sherrill Forsyth
Buddy Gale
John Gattey
John Glawson
Frank Gleeson
Morrie Goetjen
Jim Green
Belinda Guckert
Jordyn Guckert
Art Hagen
Marie Harder
Bev Havens
Shari Heschel
Robert Holland
Jack Humeny
Sam Jackson
Donna Johnson
Jeremiah Johnson
Elise Kaufman
Everett Kelch
Penny Kelly
Larry Koma (Old Coyote)
Phyllis Kozroski
Barry LaPorte
Tommy Lentz
Mike Logan
David Longworth
Terri Mason
Bud McKague
Dan McLelland
Neil Meili
Bruce Messersmith
Red Owl Ruth Meyer
Michael Brothers
Bill Michie
Midnight Travellers
(Walt & Rosemarie Baye)
Fred Miller
Gerald Miller
Howard Norskog
Tim O'Byrne
Roy "Ole" Olson
Rob Osberg
Gary Palmer
Rick Peden
Lewis Pederson
Mike Puhallo
Rawling Brothers
(Doug & Bruce)
James "J.D." Reitz
George Roberts
(W.J.) Robbie Robertson
Brian Salmond
Floyd Sillito
Cody Sinclair
Rocky Singletree
Anne Slade
Bill Smith
Bryan "BJ" Smith
Sherry Smith
Erica Stenzel
J.R. Strand
Jeff Strandquist
Bryn Thiessen
Morley Thorpe
Dick & Eunice Threlkeld
(Banjo Pickers)
Dave Tingey
Amanda Vaughan
Wendy Vaughan
Susan Vogelaar
Irene Wert
Dixie Lee White
Don Wudel
| ||||||
Mike Blair
Noel Burles
Bryce Burnett
Phil Burpee
Allen Christie
Dave Dance
Bob Davis
Chris Davis
Alison Demeter
Double Diamond
Miriam Dreher-Coulter
Rod Erickson
Charlie Ewing
Shirley Field
Buddy Gale
Frank Gleeson
"Doc" Dale Hayes
Barry Heath
Robert (Bob) Holt
Brian Ironmonger
Perry Jacobson
"Diamond" Doug Keith
Clarence Knowlton
Margaret Krause
Maxine Larson
Dusty Dee Litchfield
Nora Maidman
Dusty & Amber Martin
Sid Marty
Ken McConaghie
Darla McGlynn
Bill Michie
Harold Anderson
Neil Andrews
Bob Atkin
Linda Austen
Doris Bircham
Arden Body
Jim Boswell
Gerald Brewin
Ruth Burleigh
Noel Burles
Charlie Camden
Rob Chisholm
Gord Colliar
Sharie Cousins
Cowboy Doug
Ben Crane
Eugene Cyr
Valerie Dahl
Doris Daley
Lyn DeNaeyer
Margaret Dinnsen
Lloyd Dolen
Wayne Dolen
Ed Duncombe
Ezra Eberhart
June Elges
Oral Elser
Christine Ewert
Karen Ewert
Butch Falk
Fall River Boys
(Jeff Muench & Mark Seeley)
John Fleming
Buddy Gale
Frank Gleeson
Morrie Goetjen
Jim Green
Marie Harder
Bev Havens
Hayshakers
Donna Johnson
Jeremiah Johnson
Elise Kaufman
Everett Kelch
Penny Kelly
Larry Koma (Old Coyote)
Phyllis Kozroski
Jack Kunst
Barry LaPorte
Ethan Lentz
Tommy Lentz
Carmen Lindsay
David Longworth
Terri Mason
Angus McDonald
Bud McKague
Glenn McKenzie
Neil Meili
Bruce Messersmith
Red Owl Ruth Meyer
Michael Brothers
Bill Michie
Howard Norskog
Ol' Ugly
Jim Olson
Roy "Ole" Olson
Rob Osberg
Gary Palmer
Casey Peden
Rick Peden
Bernard Poelzer
Jim Powers
Mike Puhallo
Glen Rafuse
Rawling Brothers
(Doug & Bruce)
Scott Reesor
James "J.D." Reitz
George Roberts
(W.J.) Robbie Robertson
Michael Robinson
Rocky Mountain Yodellers
(Chuck Irvin & Miriam Dreher)
Rodeo Club
Brian Salmond
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Floyd Sillito
Bill Smith
Bryan "BJ" Smith
Erica Stenzel
Jeff Strandquist
Boyd Taylor
Bryn Thiessen
Morley Thorpe
Julie Thorson
Dick & Eunice Threlkeld
(Banjo Pickers)
Dave Tingey
Susan Vogelaar
Hilma Volk
Doug Warren
Irene Wert
Dixie Lee White
Hub & Candy Whitt
Don Wudel
Wyoming Red
| ||||||
1998
2008
Carl Huff
Donna Johnson
Elise Kaufman
Everett Kelch
Penny Kelly
Don Kennington
Phyllis Kozroski
Barry LaPorte
Danny Lee
Mike Logan
David Longworth
Deedra Lybbert
Don Marino
Terri Mason
Angus McDonald
Bud McKague
Dan McLelland
Neil Meili
Red Owl Ruth Meyer
Tony Michael
Michael Brothers
Bill Michie
Allan Murdoch
Alanna Murray
Howard Norskog
Roy "Ole" Olson
Rob Osberg
Ruth Parsons
Casey Peden
Rick Peden
Lewis Pederson
Tamara Pederson
Mike Puhallo
Doug Rawling
George Roberts
(W.J.) Robbie Robertson
Rocky Mountain Yodellers
(Chuck Irvin & Miriam Dreher)
Floyd Sillito
Yvonne Simpson
Anne Slade
Marie Smith
Sherry Smith
Jeff Strandquist
Bryn Thiessen
Ellen Trimble
Darryl Vance
Wendy Vaughan
Susan Vogelaar
Bill Wearmouth
Irene Wert
Dixie Lee White
JoAnne White
Paul Woods
Don Wudel
Donna Alm
Harold Anderson
Victor Anderson
Neil Andrews
Bob Atkin
Jamie Baker
Pamela Banting
Garth Bibby
Rose Bibby
Doris Bircham
Arden Body
Colin Bonk
Bill Brandal
Brian Brannon
Don Brestler
Gerald Brewin
Robin Brierley
Harry Brothers
Ruth Burleigh
Noel Burles
Leanne Buxton
Charlie Camden
Rob Chisholm
Gord Colliar
Gerald "Jake" Conkin
Dana Connelly
Ben Crane
Valerie Dahl
Brenna Daley
Doris Daley
Lloyd Dolen
Wayne Dolen
John Drobot
Ezra Eberhart
Elizabeth Ebert
June Elges
Oral Elser
Christine Ewert
Karen Ewert
Charlie Ewing
Shirley Field
Audra Foggin
Sherril Forsyth
Buddy Gale
John Gattey
Frank Gleeson
Morrie Goetjen
Jim Green
Belinda Guckert
Jordyn Guckert
Marie Harder
Bev Havens
Ron Hodgson
Robert Holland
Judy Hopkins
| ||||||
Artist Credits: Don Brestler, Janet Feist Sippola
1991
Artist Credits: Don Brestler, Janet Feist Sippola
Artist Credits: Don Brestler, Janet Sippola
Coralie Adams
Bob Aikens
Donna Alm
Garth Bibby
Rose Bibby
Doris Bircham
Bob Bird
Arlene Boisjoli
Don Brestler
Gerald Brewin
Rob Chisholm
Gord Colliar
Gerald "Jake" Conkin
Dana Connelly
Norm Cooper
Idabel Cramer
Ben Crane
Sharman Crane
Eugene Cyr
Doris Daley
Alvin G. Davis
Lloyd Dolen
Ezra Eberhart
Elizabeth Ebert
Charlie Ewing
Ryan Fritz
Art Hagen
Tom Hogarth
Robert Holland
Willy Klyne
Barry LaPorte
Last Chance Bluegrass
Harvey Mawson
Glenn McKenzie
Dan McLelland
Fred Miller
Gordon Mitchell
Liam Neville
Thelma Poirier
Doug Rawling
Sandra Reed
George Roberts
James Roberts
(W.J.) Robbie Robertson
Sherry Smith
Don Snider
Bryn Thiessen
Dick & Eunice Threlkeld
(Banjo Pickers)
Darryl Vance
Wendy Vaughan
Susan Vogelaar
Bob Westrop
Joan White
JoAnne White
Don Wudel
| ||||||
1993
Artist Credits: Janet Feist Sippola
1994
Artist Credits: Don Brestler
1995
Artist Credits: Don Brestler
1996
Bud McKague
Neil Meili
Bruce Messersmith
Red Owl Ruth Meyer
Michael Brothers
Bill Michie
Jim Musgrave
Myrol Brothers
Howard Norskog
Ol' Ugly
Ole Betsy's Bunch
(Larry Pawlowski / Warren Taylor)
Roy "Ole" Olson
Rob Osberg
Al Owchar
Gary Palmer
Casey Peden
Rick Peden
Jim Powers
Larry Price
Mike Puhallo
Glen Rafuse
Rawling Brothers
(Doug & Bruce)
James "J.D." Reitz
Linda Richards
George Roberts
(W.J.) Robbie Robertson
Michael Robinson
Rocky Mountain Yodellers
(Chuck Irvin & Miriam Dreher)
Texicana Rose
Brian Salmond
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Anne Slade
Bill Smith
Sherry Smith
Erica Stenzel
Virgil Stortroen
Jeff Strebi
Bryn Thiessen
Morley Thorpe
Dick & Eunice Threlkeld
(Banjo Pickers)
Wendy Vaughan
Slim "Fearless" Weegar
Irene Wert
Dixie Lee White
JoAnne White
Hub & Candy Whitt
Don Wudel
Linda Austen
Jamie Baker
Ben Beveridge
Arden Body
Jim Boswell
Gerald Brewin
Rex Brown
Iven Bryant
Noel Burles
Beatrice Burns
Leanne Buxton
Morgan Buxton
Stuart Buxton
Charlie Camden
Juanita Clayton
Tom Cole
Gerald "Jake" Conkin
Dana Connelly
Helen Cossitt (Stacey Sue)
Sharie Cousins
Cowboy Doug
Ben Crane
Doris Daley
Lloyd Dolen
Wayne Dolen
June Elges
Butch Falk
John Fleming
Brian Gale
Buddy Gale
John Gattey
Frank Gleeson
Morrie Goetjen
Marie Harder
Hayshakers
Arnold Hokanson
Sam Jackson
Jeremiah Johnson
Elise Kaufman
Everett Kelch
Penny Kelly
Larry Koma (Old Coyote)
Phyllis Kozroski
Barry LaPorte
Brian Lentz
Ethan Lentz
Tommy Lentz
Carmen Lindsay
David Longworth
Terri Mason
Jim McAllister
| ||||||
1999
2001
2000
2002
| ||||||
2004
Brian Anderson
Ed Brown
Iven Bryant
Noel Burles
Bryce Burnett
Mike Burns
Al Collins
Bud Comly
Joan Comly
Helen Cossitt (Stacey Sue)
Sharie Cousins
Doris Daley
Lloyd Dolen
Rod Erickson
Brian Gale
Buddy Gale
Tammy Gislason
Frank Gleeson
Barbara Hall
Patrick Herzog
Robert (Bob) Holt
Tim Hus
Perry Jacobson
Matt E. Johnston
"Diamond" Doug Keith
Clarence Knowlton
Jim McAllister
Rob McConnell
Darla McGlynn
Russ McIvor
Bill Michie
Howard Norskog
Ol' Ugly
Jim Peace
Gordon Peterson
Phil Lethbridge & The Westwinds
Jim Powers
Larry Price
Mike Puhallo
Glen Rafuse
Phyllis Rathwell
Rawling Brothers
(Doug & Bruce)
Jim Reader
Elmer Riehl
(W.J.) Robbie Robertson
Rocky Mountain Yodellers
(Chuck Irvin & Miriam Dreher)
Echo Roy
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Sheldon Scrivner
Bill Smith
Bryan "BJ" Smith
RP Smith
Sherry Smith
Erica Stenzel
Bud Stewart
Stumblin' Stumbleweeds
Warren Taylor
Dick Threlkeld
Slim "Fearless" Weegar
Gordie West
| ||||||
Matt Masters
Mag Mawhinney
Jim McAllister
Tammy McClure
Darla McGlynn
Betty McRae
Bill Michie
Larry Miller
William Nicas
David Nordquist
Ol' Ugly
Al Owchar
Gordon Peterson
Phil Lethbridge & The Westwinds
Larry Price
Glen Rafuse
Phyllis Rathwell
Elmer Riehl
Lesley Schatz
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Marcel Scrivner
Sheldon Scrivner
Shiloh Sharrard
Rocky Singletree
Bryan "BJ" Smith
Sherry Smith
Erica Stenzel
Bud Stewart
Jill Stewart
Jeff Strandquist
Vic Stuckey
Wesley Sugden
Bryn Thiessen
Dave Tingey
Up The Creek
Hub Whitt
| ||||||
Doris Bircham
Ken Blacklock
Bob Holt Family
Don Brestler
Ed Brown
Noel Burles
Beatrice Burns
Len Carroll
Chinook Country
(Clayton & Babetta Moncrieff)
Meg Contini
Dave Dance
Chuck Darbyshire
Bob Davis
Cort Delano
Alison Demeter
Lloyd Dolen Jr.
Miriam Dreher-Coulter
Rod Erickson
Charlie Ewing
Rusty Feathers
Gordon "Tex" Florence
Jesse Fowler
Maureen Joy Gale
Breanna Green
Jim Hamilton
Shalaine Hancik
"Doc" Dale Hayes
Laura Hayes
Barry & Joe Hertz
Tom Hogarth
Perry Jacobson
Kayla James
Larry Krause
Latigo
Carmen Lindsay
Dusty Dee Litchfield
Mike Logan
Terri Mason
Mag Mawhinney
Rob McConnell
Alexandra McDougall
Darla McGlynn
Jim Munro
Howard Norskog
Ol' Ugly
Roy "Ole" Olson
Al Owchar
Gordon Panko
Jim Peace
Phil Lethbridge & The Westwinds
Albert Prairie Chicken
Sierra & Ariana Prairie Chicken
Mike Puhallo
Phyllis Rathwell
Tim Ross
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Shiloh Sharrard
Bryan "BJ" Smith
Erica Stenzel
Bud Stewart
Jill Stewart
Jeff Strandquist
Vic Stuckey
Boyd Taylor
Bryn Thiessen
Morley Thorpe
Vannatta (The Bunch Grass Group)
Phyllis Wheaton
Wayne W. Wipf
| ||||||
2007
Brian Anderson
Fraser Armstrong
Barley Wik
Ken Blacklock
Russell Brewer
Ed Brown
Buffalohead
(Fraser Armstrong & Tim Ross)
Noel Burles
Bryce Burnett
Chinook Country
(Clayton & Babetta Moncrieff)
Dave Dance
Chuck Darbyshire
Bob Davis
Cort Delano
Alison Demeter
Lloyd Dolen Jr.
Driftin' Doug
Miriam Dreher-Coulter
Charlie & Lonnie Ewing
Gordon "Tex" Florence
Jesse Fowler
Friends In Synch
Buddy Gale
Breanna Green
Jim Hamilton
Barry Heath
Robert (Bob) Holt
"Diamond" Doug Keith
Tom King
Larry Krause
Maxine Larson
Latigo
Dusty Dee Litchfield
Shelley Lynch
Penny Marks
Mag Mawhinney
Ken McConaghie
Bill Michie
Larry Miller
Howard Norskog
Ol' Ugly
Al Owchar
Joyce Pallister
Weldon Parsons
Phil Lethbridge & The Westwinds
Albert Prairie Chicken
Sierra & Ariana Prairie Chicken
Larry Price
Phyllis Rathwell
Matt Robertson
Tim Ross
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Richard Schell
Shiloh Sharrard
Silver Sage
Bryan "BJ" Smith
Bud Stewart
Jill Stewart
Jeff Strandquist
Vic Stuckey
Bryn Thiessen
Vannatta (The Bunch Grass Group)
Hub Whitt
Margaret Wilhelm
| ||||||
The Moncrieffs
Mountain Mumma
Howard Norskog
Ol' Ugly
Vivia Oliver
Al Owchar
Joyce Pallister
Weldon Parsons
Phil Lethbridge & The Westwinds
Albert Prairie Chicken
Prairie Sunset
Rawling Brothers
(Doug & Bruce)
(W.J.) Robbie Robertson
Matt Robertson
Tim Ross
Hazel Rust
Christine Schauer
Mark "Sharky" Schauer
Shiloh Sharrard
Floyd Sillito
Silver Sage
Bryan "BJ" Smith
Bud Stewart
Jill Stewart
Vic Stuckey
Bryn Thiessen
Tom Phillips
& The Men Of Constant Sorrow
Travelling Mabels
Marshall Veal
Keith Ward
Margaret Wilhelm
| ||||||
2009
Artist Credits: Ron Davis, Valerie Dahl
Artist Credits: Jolayne Regier,
Don Brestler, Valerie Dahl
We lost a goodun' in 2002 when Bud McKague moved on down the trail.
A heartfelt poem written to Bud by Frank Gleeson graced the inside page of the 2003 brochure.
Artist Credits: Jordie Regier, Valerie Dahl
Artist Credits: Doug Rawlings, Valerie Dahl
Two more empty saddles. Gathering regulars Dick Threlkeld and Lloyd Dolen both rhymed their last in January of 2004.
Buddy Gale and Frank Gleeson had the right words (as usual) to say "So Long" to their friends.
Artist Credits: Bob Davis, Valerie Dahl
This year saw the Gathering get "Branded"! The silhouette of the Three Cowboys around the campfire created by Valerie Dahl has appeared on our brochures for a couple of years now. In 2001 it became our official logo and was featured on the front cover.
Artist Credits: Bernie Brown, Valerie Dahl
Artist Credits: "Diamond" Doug Keith,
Valerie Dahl
Artist Credit: Don Brestler
So, d'ya reckon they thought that they'd be celebratin' 20 Years Of Cowboy Poetry down here in Pincher when they started up this thing back in 1988? Well by golly, they done gone & did it. Happy 20th Y'all!!
A perennialy popular Feature performer down here in Pincher, Glen "Star Child" Rafuse passed in October of 2006.
His star shone for a mere seventy years, but his memory will continue to shine. Thanks Glen!
Artist Credits: Valerie Dahl, Don Brestler
Artist Credits: Janet Barkwith.
(Used with the very kind permission of Randy & Ginny Donahue). Valerie Dahl
Linda Austen wrote a great tribute to Charles Darryl Vance in the 1998 brochure.
Darryl was on the organizing committee from 1994-1997 and read his poems at The Gathering several times.
Artist Credit: Leslie Hardy
Artist Credit: Ron Davis
1997 marked the 10th Anniversary of The Gathering. I guess something was being done just right.
Well, as long as people keep on comin' down, we'll keep on gatherin'... and we'll keep on gatherin' as long as people keep on comin' down!
Program Book Covers.
Committee Members.
Other Words Of Wisdom.
(Click On Images To Enlarge)
Annual Posters.
Tributes.
(Click On Images To Enlarge)
Performer Listings
Click BACK to return to the top of the page.
Frank Gleeson was scheduled to perform at The Gathering in 2007, but a heart attack kept him away.
You can't keep a good man down for long though, and Frank was back with us for 2009.
Well, if you look closely at this 1995 performer list you'll notice a guy with the surname of Lund!
If anyone has a photo of young "Corby" from this years' Gathering, we'd LOVE to fire it up on the page. Just for old times' sake.
Hmmm... Maybe we'll be able to bribe him to come on back if we DON'T post it on the site.
A couple of "crafty" Hochsteins took out ads in the program, with Caren advertising "Fancy Fingers" quilting and country crafts. Lynnette was there too, as well as being set up in Crafters Alley with her custom sewing & design business:
"Bar A Lazy T Creations".
...and the faithful "Swiss Alpine Restaurant" is still with us.
Sounds like poet Irene Wert might have busted an axle or three, and gotten a little muddy along the way, thanks to some bad roads. She was inspired to air her feelins' in this short "complaint letter".
Oh lovely winding rural road
So worthy of a sonnet,
But i'll pen my ode
To our country road
When they put some gravel on it!
1997
Artist Credit: Ben Crane
2003
2005
2006
2008
Artist Credit: Janet Barkwith
So, can any of you local folks remember these advertisers from the 1989 program book?
"Red Rooster Food Store"
"Ranchland Value Drug Mart"
"Bar-B Saloon"
"Frontier Western Shop"
In the 1990 program book we had
"Ranchland Value Drug Mart" and
"Red Rooster Food Store" still helping out as advertisers, as well as new advertiser "Future Ford".
You could get a good filling meal at the "Swiss Alpine Restaurant" who came in with an ad too, and with the start of this Archive page in 2010 you can STILL get a great meal there.
Getting into the spirit of things on the inside back page of the program:
"Frontier Western Shop Ltd"
Welcomes Ya'll to the
"Cowboy Poetry Gathering '91"!
Come On Down
One and All
to Frontier Western Shop
in the Ranchland Mall
We have Boots and Jeans
Jewellery and Hats
Dresses, Coats
Saddles and Tack
Our friendly staff
will take care of you
So come on in
Buckeroo!
Our door's open
just past dawn
and a big ol' coffee pot
is always on
Artist Credit: Don Brestler
Artist Credit: Unknown
"COWTOWN" in the Co-Op Mall had the inside back page advertising:
Western Shop, Wild Rags, Riding Supplies.
Taking in you program got you 15% off any purchse (saddles excluded).
"Larry's Boot & Jean" on Main Street had a darn good sale on for too, and had added Homemade Crafts, Gift Baskets & Antiques to their store.
"WATERTON BEARGRASS FESTIVAL" took out an ad for their August 29th get-together of Cowboy Poets and Oldtime Fiddlers at the Waterton Lakes Opera House.
"COWTOWN" had the inside back page again encouraging people to: Bring A Friend To The 1993 Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
Speaking of friends, Arlene Boisjoji had this poem placed in the program about a canine friend.
Artist Credit: Janet Feist Sippola
Well, the Recipe For Gathering Of '94 may have been altered a bit over the years as it was passed on down, but it still tastes mighty sweet today!
Our Gathering was coming into it's own in 1994 and so was our program book. Some solid advertisers were in again along with some new'uns like "Readers Books" and "Hansen Systems"; a computer consulting, sales & service business.
"COWTOWN" had the inside back page again with all kinds of GREAT deals on jeans, shirts and boots.
For all you ranchin' gals out there, here's a little poem you can probably all relate to written by Rose Bibby.
As the byline says, "Hayshakers Wife"! (That'll be Garth).
Welcome to The Gathering of 1996!
If you weren't familiar with just what exactly "A Gathering" is, page 4 of the program book had it all nailed down nice n' tight for you.
...is that Don Wudel??
Elsewhere in the program book there were tasty subs being offered at "SUBWAY" in town.
If tack and western wear interested you, there was "Totally Western" owned by Herb & Rose Dewart down on Main Street.
Faithful advertisers "COWTOWN" were offering boots, hats, jeans and a selection of hand braided horse hair hat bands, belts and more.
"Hayshakers Wife" Rose Bibby had another poem featured in the program. Y'know, that Rose kinda has a good sense of humour doesn't she?
You don't get to celebratin' your 10th Anniversary very often! Heck, I don't believe even Liz Taylor or Johnny Carson got to do it that many times!?
Well, they sure whooped it up down here in Pincher Creek in '97.
There was a great long list of poets, musicians and artists, as well as a whole bunch of other things taking place.
There was a Fashion Show, Stock Dog Cattle Penning, Horse Packing Demos, as well as Blacksmithing and Ironworking. The NorthWest Mounted Police Commemorative Association Mobile Museum was on site too.
Some wise sayings made you think or laugh. OR made other people think about YOU and laugh... Here's a few.
On your way through life don't worry if you stumble now and then.
Only worms can't fall down.
You can educate a fool but you can't make him think.
Always try to make folks happy, even if it means going out of your way to avoid 'em.
Most hard-boiled people are half-baked.
What would a 10th Anniversary be without some fine poetry, from Donna C. Johnson, Frank Gleeson...
Seemed like every business in town wanted to part of the 1998 program.
After all the whoop-dee-doo of 1997 the "Ranchland Mall" took up a whole page with twelve of the mall stores takin' part.
There was "Pets 4 U", "Ranchland ARP Pharmacy", "House Of Spirits", "Chocolates & Treasures" as well as "Mrs. P's Coffee Corner" that's still brewin' up today.
There sure must've been a lot of cars and trucks being sold in town back then. "Future Ford Mercury Sales Ltd", "Westcastle Motors" and "Five Star Dodge Jeep Chrysler" all took out ads, as did Realty offices: "RE/MAX", "Coldwell Banker", "Sutton Group" and "Century 21".
I guess business was good!
Glenn McKenzie summed up a whole breed of men in the twenty short lines of his poem "The Rancher".
and committee member Darryl Vance
Charles Darryl Vance
Being a third generation rancher, Darryl always had a great knowledge and respect for the natural grassland that his cattle grazed. Along with wife Judy and family, Darryl ranched southeast of Pincher Creek and was firmly entrenched in the community.
Inspiration for much of Darryl's poetry came from his own experiences working as a Brand Inspector. He was a director on The Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association, and both he and Judy were active members of the Pincher Creek Cowboy Poetry Committee.
"A&W" invited us to - See The Bear - Taste The Food - in their program ad.
"Luigis Pizza + Steakhouse" said - Welcome Everyone to The Gathering!
"Heritage Inn" invited us over to eat at "Seasons Cafe & Eatery", and the "Husky Restaurant & Service Station"
offered Free Coffee with your meal during the Cowboy Poetry weekend.
Hungry bunch down here!
"Ruffles Boutique" were now down on Main Street, and offered the ladies a 10% discount, and a full page space listed the popular brand names that "Totally Western" carried: Wrangler - Rockies - Roper - Stetson - Smithbilt - Boulet - Brahma and more.
Lastly, an honourable mention is due to a poetic masterpiece that ran in the "Rainy Day Digital" ad.
Owner Wayne Hawthorne offered; Writing - Websites - Video - Graphics - Animation - Advertising with...
If y'all wanna SELL yer stuff
Ya hafta git perty tough
Don't get all Figital
Call Rainy Day Digital
'cause ya can't advertise enough!
"The Daydreamer" by Bernie Brown graced the cover of the program, and artist Guy Dahl was commissioned to create a bronze of the artwork. The piece was then raffled off for just a buck-a-ticket.
Well, computers didn't cause total havoc at the stroke of midnight when the New Year of 2000 arrived - but come to think of it, they do that just about EVERY day don't they?
The program book was chock-a-block with folks peddlin' their wares.
"Sinclair's Jewels & Saddlery" joined us, as well as "The Outdoor Outlet", "Blackburn Jewellers", "Creekside Dental Clinic" and "Davidson & Williams (Barristers & Solicitors)" - whos ad was conveniently placed directly below the dentist's!?
On page 35 Farley Wuth submitted the "Historically Speaking" item, and a wonderful historical poem by Doris & Caren Hochstein: "The Shooting Of John McRae" (complete with map) was featured on page 42.
Ladies, don't you wish we were back in 2001? "Ruffles" were offering a whopping 20% saving if you took in your program book. Too bad they put a cancellation date in there.
"Pincher Lumber" and "Chinook Country Cedar & Building Supplies" were both wanting your construction supply business, and "Super 8 Motel" convinced us that...
Life's Great at Super 8!
2001 was the Year Of The Great Bear, and as well as several pieces about bears appearing throughout the program, "A&W Restaurant" cleverly took the opportunity to say:
See The Bear - Taste The Food!
Here is a brief introduction to the Year Of The Great Bear, as well as a scary bear story for you. Unfortunately no writers are credited.
Death Camp Artist Credit: Don Brestler
Here are a couple of poems worth "bearing" a look at, by Elsie Willsie of Barrhead and Australian Brian Gale.
The King Brothers
This piece wasn't actually placed in the book as a tribute, but it seems to warrant being treated as one.
"A Glimpse Of The Past" is not actually credited in the book, but it appears that it MAY have been excerpted from a book by writer Mary-Jo Burles who is mentioned at the end of this item about out local
"Six Million Dollar Men".
It just struck me that by taking our program book around town you can save a LOT of money at some of the smaller businesses in Pincher Creek:
"Higa's Pharmacy & Gift Shoppe" 10%
"Pincher Lumber" 40% - 60% off blinds.
"Blackburn Jewellers" 10%
...now if we could just get those car dealers, banks, realtors and hotels do the same.
The Calgary Stampede Show Riders were down for The Gathering in 2002 and put on a show at the intermission of The Rancher's Rodeo.
There was a fine but all-too-brief story on Peigan Cowboy Paul Smith, as told by Paul to Dale Smith. A historical taster that leaves you wanting to learn more.
Bud (Charles) McKague
Bud McKague related his final poem on the last day of The Gathering 2002.
Bud performed in Pincher Creek from 1995 to 2002 inclusive, & was amongst many of his friends for his last stand.
Frank Gleeson was one of those many friends, and gave his "bud" a loving poetic send-off in the 2003 program.
Well, those banks must have finally listened to the people - 25%!!! Oh no, sorry... that's their interest rate. DARN!
"Totally Western" had expanded into Handcrafted Log Furniture. Life was still great at "Super 8", and NONE of the banks, car dealerships or realtors were giving any deals if you took in your program. Nothing new there!
Eugene Cyr read at the very first Gathering in 1988, and had performed several times since then. In 2003, both Eugene and his wife Dorothea were given a fitting two page salute, which included a poem written by Sue Ames Vogelaar.
Fourteen of the "Ranchland Mall" tenants took part in a full page ad, including "Fields", "Cougar Ridge", "Curves", "Case 'n' Keg" and "Carrie's for Clothes" - that's a LOT of "C's"!
Over 1,000 lines to choose from - boasted "Town & Country Liquor Store", and "Bridge City Chrysler" from Lethbridge figured they'd give our local car & truck lads a run for their money.
Our history lesson for 2004 was the story of Walter and Agnes Oczkowski.
Dick Threlkeld
Lloyd Dolen (The Elder)
Two friends of The Gathering passed within days of each other in January of 2004. Dick Thelkeld had played for us many times over the years, usually appearing with his wife Eunice, billed as "Banjo Pickers".
Lloyd Dolen performed in 1988 at the very first Gathering. He was a popular poet and returned regularly over the years. From 1991 - 1999 he didn't miss a year, and his last reading for us was in 2003. We miss both of them.
There was no fancy photo of the 2005 Committee Members, just their names.
As always, they were the unsung heroes of making The Gathering all come together, and photos or not, we thank them!!
There was a brief though interesting history of Old Time Fiddle on the opposite page.
We did actually manage to snap a couple of photos of two Committee Members. Here's Vanessa Sproule and Bob Westrop.
Being the shy, retiring folk that they are (especially Bob), the organizing committee of 2006 were tucked waaay back on page 23 in the program.
Food and drink were front & centre in the program book with ads by: "A&W","Husky Restaurant & Service Station", "Twin Butte Country Licensed Restaurant & General Store", "Town & Country Liquor Store", "Subway", "Red Roof Cafe" and the folks at "Swiss Alpine Restaurant" were back with us.
Frank Gleeson took sick but was with us in rhyme for the 2006 Gathering.
A.L. "Scotty" Freebairn
Agnes Mitchell wrote a touching & loving remembrance of her Father, and Pincher Creek's first Cowboy Poet, A.L. "Scotty" Freebairn.
The tribute was aptly followed by two of Scotty's poems.
This year needs some filling in. Can YOU help?
Well, 2007 was an exciting year for our Gathering, as we celebrated Twenty years of Cowboy Poetry & Heritage down here in Southwestern Alberta.
Local businesses were part of the celebrations, and many took full page ads in the program book. We like that!!
Some of those participating were:
"Pincher Creek Credit Union", "Sobeys", "Heritage Inn", "Co-Op", "Ramco Sales Inc", "Ranchland Bingo" and "Cornyn's Pharmasave & Rafter's Gift". Thank you ALL!
After performing at The Gathering a dozen times or so, as well as having his unique Western Artwork featured in the program book countless times, it was fitting to have a feature on Don Brestler in the 20th Anniversary program.
A sure sign that Pincher Creek was a vibrant and growing community was seen in the 2008 program, as NEW advertisers "Wal Mart" and "Rona" joined with regulars such as "Sobeys", "Ramco Sales Inc", "Stardust Motel", "Ranchers Suppy Inc", "Pincher Creek Veterinary Clinic","Boytinck Home Hardware" and others.
Committee Members Eileen McGlynn and Noel Burles received credit in the program for their behind-the-scenes work for The Gathering.
Events like these don't happen overnight. There are many people who donate their time and effort over many months to make it all work.
Thank You ALL!!
...and Leonard McGlynn, these words taken from page 5 must be for you...
Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and the other is a husband.
"Mountain Radio" joined us in 2009 as a major sponsor of the 22nd Annual Gathering. Jen Kuhlwein, the afternoon voice of the station also joined the Organizing Committee as part of a new event taking place during the weekend.
"The Up n' Comer Rhyme n' Lyric Spotlight" ran on Friday and Saturday afternoon, and was the brainchild of Bob Westrop. Another radio gal, Allison Brock (CKUA & MIX 97.7) and her husband Martyn Hill also joined the committee, and the "Twin Butte General Store" generously sponsored the competition providing a $250 prize for the winner of each day.
We tipped our hats in 2009 to long-time Gathering supporters, and all-round good folk, Faye & Bud Jenkins.
Artist Credit: Don Brestler
The Original "Wanted" Poster
1989 Poster
2001 Poster
Artist Credit: Valerie Dahl
2002 Poster
Artist Credit: Jolayne Regier, Valerie Dahl
2003 Poster
Artist Credit: Jordie Regier, Valerie Dahl
2004 Poster
Artist Credit: Doug Rawlings, Valerie Dahl
2005 Poster
Artist Credit: Bob Davis, Valerie Dahl
2007 Poster
Artist Credit: Don Brestler, Valerie Dahl
Artist Credit: Don Brestler
1990 Poster
Artist Credit: Don Brestler
1991 Poster
Artist Credits: Don Brestler, Janet Feist Sippola
1992 Poster
Artist Credits: Don Brestler, Janet Feist Sippola
1993 Poster
Artist Credit: Janet Feist Sippola
1994 Poster
Artist Credit: Don Brestler
1995 Poster
Artist Credit: Don Brestler
1996 Poster
Artist Credit: Ben Crane
1997 Poster
Artist Credit: Leslie Hardy
Artist Credit: Ron Davis
1998 Poster
1999 Poster
Artist Credit: Bernie Brown
2000 Poster
Artist Credit: Ron Davis
2006 Poster
Artist Credit: "Diamond" Doug Keith
Small version only currently available
2008 Poster
Small version only currently available
2009 Poster
Artist Credit: Janet Barkwith.
(Used with the very kind permission of
Randy & Ginny Donahue).
From the 2009 Program Book
How does a Gathering that has been running for 22 years keep attracting previous attendees as well as new ones? First you line up the finest poets and musicians to entertain. Next you stage it in some of the most beautiful scenery available in the heart of the original old west. Then you take an all volunteer Gathering Committee that spend countless hours organizing and preparing facilities for one big weekend of entertainment. Simple really!
We hope you find this years event as exciting as past Gatherings and please, plan on attending again next year. The Gathering Committee
2010 Poster
Artist Credit: Janet Barkwith.
Glen Bonertz
This memorial poem was written as a dedication to an all-too-young
Glen Bonertz, and as a "Thank You" to friends and neighbours by
Kim, Lane & Jacey - The Bonertz Family.
The name Lloyd Dolen lives on at
The Gathering as Lloyd's Grandson, & 3rd generation Cowboy Poet Lloyd Dolen Jr.
made his first appearance in 2006.
Artist Credits: Valerie Dahl, Don Brestler
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Bev Barr was the first Chairperson of the
"Cowboy Poetry Gathering". One of the originals
is Bev, and she's still involved. Bev and husband
Bob work the door at the Community Hall on
Saturday nights. Be sure to say HI as you go in.
To the right are a few of Bev's memories from the
earlier years. Click to enlarge her note.
We'll try to get some more stories from Bev and her cohorts posted here as they're able to put pen to paper and get them to us.
This Is Where The Memories Begin. Share Yours With Us!
Here's a piece that appeared in the 2009 Gathering brochure. It gives some history on Bev Barr, the beginnings of The Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association and the early days of The Pincher Creek Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
From the 2010 Program Book
Another year - another Gathering. Where does the time go? It seems like yesterday that it was the weekend of the 22nd Gathering.
One Gathering ends and the planning for the next year starts again. The Gathering has gone through many changes over the years. Committee members come and go (although some of us are gluttons for punishment and never leave). New members bring new ideas and new skills. This year we are excited to have our website up and running. Take a look when you have time, it's at www.pcgathering.com. We hope you are enjoying our 23rd Gathering and that you will come back for more. Our Committee will be busy analyzing this year's show, planning for next year and enjoying the great talent and skills shown this weekend. The Gathering Committee
"Mountain Radio" was represented by new on-air gal Adrianna Smith who sat on our judging panel at the Second Annual "Up n' Comer Rhyme n' Lyric Spotlight". Also welcomed on deck as a judge (as well as being a performer at The Gathering) was locally-based author and singer Sid Marty. Winning entrants can be found HERE.
"Twin Butte General Store" once again sponsored the competition with a $250 prize for the winner of each day. "Walmart", "Rexall Drugs" (in a bright & airy new location), "Agro", "UFA" & "Sobeys" among others had full page ads in our 49 page program book, that featured several poems by local poet Bryan J. Smith.
Gathering "lifer" Dona Lee Smith & her husband Dennis were quite rightfully featured on pages 2 & 3 of our booklet.
2010
As promised, here is another snippet of Gatherings
past from Bev Barr.
Were YOU at any of the Fashion Shows that went
on in the early days? If so, why not send us some
of YOUR memories? Did you ever buy a shirt?
Click on the image to the right to find out why we're
asking...
The Pincher Creek
Cowboy Gathering
Celebrating Music & Poetry in the Cowboy Tradition Since 1988
Pincher Creek. Alberta. Canada
Celebrating 26 years!!
Gatherings
Click A Year To Be
Taken Back In Time.
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2011
2011 Poster
Artist Credit: Janet Barkwith.
From the 2011 Program Book
...During the past 24 years of The Gathering we have endeavored to provide the best poets, singers and toe-tapping music. Our wish is that you leave this year's Gathering a little happier and that your toes are still tapping on the way home. Because this is "next year country" we invite you to return in 2012 for our 25th Anniversary Gathering for more of our unique happiness elixir.
The Gathering Committee
Artist Credit: Janet Barkwith
2011 was the final year of our Up n' Comer Spotlight. Congratulations go to winner Mariya Soetaert, who released her debut CD "Mariya" in the latter part of the year. See her lyrics and hear a brief song sample HERE.
The program book featured a couple of "HOLLER-OUTS" this year. There were double-page features on The Vance Family and The Gathering's sound man extraordinaire, Victor Lethbridge.
2010 Buckle & Earrings
2011 Buckle & Earrings
