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Each year, we like to offer an incentive for our readers who complete our Cowboy Trails survey. The feedback helps us to cater the next edition of our Cowboy Trails guide  to the interest of our readers. This year everyone who completed the survey by October 31st was entered into a random draw to win a brand new pair of boots (worth $300!) from Alberta Boot Co. in Calgary.

The lucky winner of our 2018 Reader Survey Contest was Sanch Diebel. Sanch, who lives in Battleford, had these enthusiastic words to say after learning that she was the winner: ” WOW!!  That’s such fantastic news!  I guess my ‘I never win anything’ statement has come to an end!!”

Thank you to all who completed the 2018 survey. Your input will help us make the next edition of the Cowboy Trails guide to be the best it can be. If you haven’t read our 2018 edition yet, click here to peruse the mobile version.

Catch The History Wrangler this summer on his 2018 Cowboy Trail & Beyond Tour, including his 10 Stop Canada Day Tour starting in Drayton Valley! These events teach history through music and entertainment, and are sure to engage audiences of all ages! The performances will feature Rob Leonard as “Alberta’s History Wrangler,” as well as his ““Sidekick Maxito.” All the dates and times of the History Wrangler’s free performances can be found on Twitter: @HistoryWrangler @AlbertaHistory

The History Wrangler has also been busy creating a music video that you can enjoy anytime in between his performances. Don’t miss The History’s Wrangler’s YaHoo Stampede Song! music vVideo filmed at The Ranchman’s Cookhouse, featuring “The Outlaw Country Dancers.” The release date is scheduled for 2 weeks before The 2018 Calgary Stampede (which begins Friday, July 6)

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Rob Leonard has an impressive resume as the History Wrangler. From the credentials below, you can tell his is passionate and dedicated to sharing Alberta’s history. His experience includes:

• Historian, Director of Education & Outreach, The Ranche
• Regional Coordinator- The Calgary & Region History Fair
• Canada’s History Liaison, Calgary Region
• Award Winning Historical Fiction Writer
• Song Writing Specializing in History Themed Songs
• Musician/Performer
• FNMI Programming

Alberta’s History Wrangler has The Historic Ranche at Fish Creek Provincial Park as his home base.

You can contactRob Lennard/The History Wrangler at:
historywrangler@gmail.com | 403-607-5299

Nothing beats fresh produce right from the farmer, and a farmers’ market is the perfect way to ensure that your food is top quality. Besides that, a farmers’ market allows you to enjoy time out in the fresh air while still getting your grocery shopping done. Supporting your local farmers is just one more reason to visit or (or many) of the farmers markets throughout Alberta.

Below you’ll find a list of farmers’ markets available in different areas and what days they operate. For further information on these and other markets visit albertafarmersmarket.com

Banff – Bear Street
Wednesdays; June to October

Bentley – Curling Rink
Saturdays; May to September

Bergen – Community Hall
Saturdays; June to September

Calgary – Blackfoot near Heritage
Friday – Sunday; Year Round

Caroline – Kurt Browning Arena
Fridays; May to September

Carstairs – Curling Rink
Tuesdays; June to August

Claresholm – Claresholm Arena
Wednesdays; July to September

Clearwater Market – RMH Rec Centre
Thursdays; May to October

Cochrane Ranche Historic Site
Saturdays; June to October

Cochrane Farmers Market. Photo Credit: Cochrane Tourism Association

Crossfield – Banta Park
Thursdays; June to September

Drayton Valley – Mackenzie Centre
Wednesdays

Edson – Friendship Centre
Fridays; April to December

Evansburg – Tipple Park Museum
Saturdays; May to September

Hinton – Switzer Drive
Thursdays; March to December

Millarville – Millarville Fair Grounds
Saturdays; June to October

Millarville Farmers’ Market

Okotoks – two miles north
Fridays; June to September

Pincher Creek – Memorial Arena
Fridays; June to October

Rimbey – Pask-a-Poo Park
Saturdays; May to October

Rocky Mountain House – Museum
Saturdays; Year Round

Spruce View – Spruce View Hall
Mondays; May to September

Sundre – Curling Rink
Fridays; May to September

The 2017 summer at Alpine Stables concluded with a lightning strike just west of the Park becoming the Kenow Fire and burning through much of Waterton Lakes National Park in September. The wildfire destroyed our barns, corrals, and home. Everything that wasn’t evacuated was lost including tack, feed, and nearly 50 years of memories for the Barrus and Watson families. All the horses and people remained safe.

As a result of the terrible devastation Alpine Stables will only be able to operate at a very limited capacity for the 2018 year. This is due to the fire’s effect on so many trails as well as the lack of buildings and barns. Due to Parks Canada regulations, rebuilding is not likely to be underway until the fall of 2018. It is uncertain which trails will be safe and passable at this time, especially for longer day rides. The Barrus and Watson families regret that they will not be able to offer overnight rides for the 2018 summer in Waterton due to trail closures.

Both families are grateful for all the support they have received during this incredibly sad time, and they look forward to riding with you again in the future. For the 2018 year Alpine Stables asks you to reserve ahead, as they may not be able to accommodate walk-ins or large groups.

For some rip-roarin’ fun, visit one of the 2018 rodeos held throughout Alberta. Click here to view the list of rodeos (along with their dates, locations, and websites) that we printed in our 2018-2019 Experience the Cowboy Trails guide.

Never been to a rodeo before? Then read these articles to learn more about what you’ll experience.

In this year’s Cowboy Trails guide, we published a story about the Stavely Indoor Pro Rodeo. It’s held in May, but it might inspire you to make plans to attend this event next year. The Stavely Indoor Pro Rodeo is Canada’s oldest indoor cowboy sporting event!

Stavely Indoor Pro Rodeo – Photo Courtesy of Claresholm Local Press

For more of a general overview, read Allen Gibson’s vivid description of small town rodeos. He recalls how his father took him to horse events as he grew up, inspiring a love of these visceral, authentic experiences.

Cardston’s mini-chucks run in August

If you want to learn some history about the first stampede ever held in Canada, then read the article “Rodeo” from our archives.

If you’re not sure that a rodeo is your idea of fun, then try visiting a stampede first. These events include a rodeo, but also have other attractions like shows, thrill rides, competitions, and community and business booths. Don’t forget the food, either! Read this article from our archives about the Ponoka Stampede to get a taste of the excitement of this event. We love the amazing photos that capture the action and thrills at a stampede, too!

Saddle Bronc riding – photo courtesy of Box J Bar Ranch

Remember to consult our list of 2018 rodeos as you make your summer plans. We can guarantee you won’t get bored on the weekend when you plan to visit one of these thrilling events!

2018 Rodeos

This June motorcycle riders will help save lives through the “Motorcycle Ride for Dad,” which raises money to fight prostate cancer through research and education. Over the past 10 years, riders have raised half a million dollars which has gone to research grants at the Prostate Cancer Center. Another $200,000 raised by riders has been used for awareness programs, which include free testing.

This year’s ride takes place on June 16, 2018. Riders will depart from the parking lot of First Alliance Church in Calgary, and then enjoy a scenic country poker tour. A mouth-watering BBQ awaits riders at the end, along with a live and silent auction, door prizes, and awards.

Even if you don’t have a motorcycle, you can still be involved in this great cause. You can contribute through corporate sponsorships, donations in kind, auction items, and prizes to help make the 11th annual Motorcycle Ride for Dad another success.

Click below to read the press release with more details.

Ride for Dad 2018 press release

Congratulations to the winners of our 2017 Cowboy Trails Photo Contest! Thank you to all who entered. Read on for the winning entries in the Judges category and to learn about other photo contest opportunities!

1. Sitting in awe of the beauty around us 

Submitted by Royce

2. Take Me back

Submitted by Cheri Conners/ Harttphotos

3. Even animals appreciate breathtaking scenery when it’s in front of them

Submitted by Royce

4. Too Cool for School

Submitted by Chiara Cei

5. Family Time Amidst the Mountains

Submitted by Kortnee Paiha

If you weren’t able to enter this contest, you still have time to submit entries to three of our other contests! Our sister publication Experience the Mountain Parks is running an annual photo contest. Submit an entry (or two or more!) taken in the Rocky Mountain Canadian parks for a chance to win a Dream Getaway to Radium, or to Sunshine Village! This contest closes Feb 28th. Enter soon and remember to vote for your favourite entry.

If you’ve taken a nature photo in Calgary, then be sure to enter it in the Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths Photo Contest. Our brand new Photo Contest for Experience the Dino Trails is also still open!

Our Cowboy Trails Photo Contest ends on November 30, so enter soon! Submit photos taken on or near the Cowboy Trail in Alberta depicting Western life. Then ask all your “pardners” to vote for your picture (or pictures) so you can lasso a prize!

The Voting Category winner will receive an Anchor D Ranch Vacation for a prize. The getaway includes a two hour trail ride for two and a 1 night stay in a luxury log cabin!

You could also score an amazing prize if the judges choose your picture as a winning entry! The prizes for the Judges Category include:

#1 Elk Ridge Getaway

•  2.5 hour Photographers Dream Ride for 2 with Elk Ridge Trail Rides
•  1 night accommodations at the Bear Country Inn & Suites
• Tickets for the Waterton Shoreline Cruise

#2 Boundary Ranch and Sundance Lodges

• “Ride and Lunch” package for two
• 1 Night Stay in a Large Tipi or Trapper’s Tent

#3 Stoney Nakoda Resort

• 2 night’s accommodation
• Voucher for buffet dinner for 2 people
•  Continental breakfast each morning

Enter your pictures ASAP, and then encourage your family and friends to vote for them!

If you’d enjoy a great weekend Western entertainment, then you won’t want to miss the Willow Creek Cowboy Gathering. It takes place this weekend, from Friday, June 16 through Sunday, June 18. All day live Western Entertainment will be available Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM, followed by campfire jam sessions. On Sunday you can get breakfast between 8 and 10 am for $8 per person. Cowboy Church (which is free of charge) starts at 10 am on Sunday. Bring the whole family! Activities for the kids are available, and kids 16 and under are free.

The Cowboy Gathering Committee is bringing this well-loved annual event back for the 16th time. This Western Festival takes place in the Arena of Stavely, AB, and celebrates music, art, crafts, tall tales, and poetry. Tickets are available at the door, and cost as follows:

• $60 for weekend pass
• $35 for 1 full day pass
• $25 for 1 evening pass

Participants are welcome to take advantage of free, onsite dry camping in the Arena.

The musical selections will range from fiddlers to bluegrass, and classic cowboy to new country songs. In addition to a full lineup of musicians, there will also be humorous stories, poetry, and tall tales that honour Canada’s rich Western heritage. Vendors will offeri beautiful objects like jewelry and pottery, and a Silent Auction table will also be part of the festivities.

If you’re looking for a fun and unique Father’s Day outing this weekend, this might just be the perfect way to spend a memorable time with your dad!

The 2017 Cowboy Trail & Beyond Tour is underway! Once again, Alberta’s History Wrangler will weave Alberta’s history into his engaging musical performances. This year is extra special, though, because it marks the 150th birthday of Canada! Come celebrate #Canada 150 with engaging presentations that will find you tapping your toes!

Are you curious about what these performances might be like? Listen to the song in this link to hear a sample of one of the History Wrangler’s fun, educational, and original songs! Here’s another audio file of a song that the History Wrangler wrote for Canada’s 150th birthday.

Greetings from Winnipeg, the site of the 2nd Stampede in 1913! Have a sensational day!! pic.twitter.com/CikjFAXkrm

— History Wrangler (@AlbertaHistory) May 6, 2017

The 2017 Tour kicked off on May 4th in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which is home of the 1913 Stampede. The next scheduled performance is Thursday, June 1. You can find all the dates and times of the History Wrangler’s free performances on Twitter: @HistoryWrangler @AlbertaHistory Here’s a brief schedule that we printed in our 2017 Experience the Cowboy Trails guide:

June 1st: Corner Store Diner, Turner Valley

July 1st, Canada Day: Historic Bar U Ranch

August 1st: Cinnamon Spoon, Bragg Creek

September 1st: Historic Bow Valley Ranche, Est 1873

Rob Leonard – also known as the History Wrangler – has given performances throughout Alberta to audience members of all ages. He’s even performed at the Opening Ceremonies of the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics and also for the King and Queen of Sweden!

The History Wrangler is excitied about Kicking Off his Cowboy Trail Tour and Beyond Tour next week in Winnipeg, home of the 1913 Stampede! pic.twitter.com/3IQpks8dPj

— History Wrangler (@AlbertaHistory) April 28, 2017

Leonard has also presented at schools and presented curriculum based educational programs at The Historic Ranche at Fish Creek Provincial Park for students in grades 4, 5, and 7. In addition to writing his own songs, he’s also an award-winning author of historical fiction for youth. Rob Leonard is the Historian and Director of Education & Outreach at The Bow Valley Ranche. He’s also held the positions of Canada’s History Liaison for the Calgary region and the Regional Coordinator for the Calgary & Region History Fair. Leonard’s passion for history has earned him the Alberta Centennial Medal and prestigious Alberta Awareness Award!

Look for the History Wrangler on Twitter, Facebook, or contact him at historywrangler@ gmail.com