Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Alberta Highlights Canada's Cowboy Culture

To some the idea of cowboy poets and cowboy artistry is relatively new and surprising. Let's add something else to the learning curve now: How about Canadian cowboys ?

Contrary to popular belief, cowboy culture is not purely an American phenomena. There is a heritage of cowboy and ranch culture north of the border that stretches centuries. A westward push, the role of the rails and not-always positive interactions with pre-existing inhabitants are part of the Canadian narrative too.

This weekend (August 18-20) the focus is on cowboy culture and artistry in Stony Point, Alberta at the 12th annual Cowboy Poetry, Music and Arts Gathering. The festival is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of traditional and contemporary Cowboy poetry, music and art. This year is the gathering with artists coming from all over North America.

There's a chuckwagon dinner/BBQ, bonfire sing-along. The Bud McKague Memorial Tall Tale Spinnin'' Reel will feature storytellers and "bold faced liars". There will be Grande Revue and a Sunday Morning Cowboy Church,and, of course, cowboy poets, pickers and singers on Saturday and Sunday.

You'll likely leave entertained, and with new insight into an important component of Canada's diverse cultural make-up.

Contact information:
www.stonyplaincowboypoetry.com;
RR 1, Site 13, Box 13
Stony Plain, Alberta,
Canada, T7Z 1X8
Phone: 780-963-5998;