Kinsmen Big Valley Jamboree

The Kinsmen Big Valley Jamboree was held on July 17-19, 1998 in Craven, Saskatchewan, Canada. Nothing compares to the "Craven" experience. This is the original outdoor country music event in Canada. It was sponsored by SaskTel.

This past summer the Kinsmen did a great job on this fantastic festival. 12,000 weekend passes for the event were sold. Going to the Big Valley Jamboree is just like going to a small town. The services that were at the site included automated teller machines, concessions, convenience store fire security personnel, lost and found, gargage disposal, medical assistance, message board, showers, souvenirs, special services for the disabled, camping, trailer/RV services and the Fort Whoop-Up Saloon which had it own entertainment.

The entertainment was wonderful this year. The hosts for the weekend were Ronnie Prophet and Glory-Anne Carriere.

Here was the lineup on the main stage:

• SCMA's Female vocalist & Entertainer of the Year-Tami Hunter
• Faster Gun
• Jason McCoy
• Lisa brokop
• George Fox
• David Lee Murphy
• Tracy Lawrence
• SCMA's Male Vocalist of the Year-Marty Grambo
• KC Jones
• Shirley Myers
• Poverty Plainsmen
• Sherrie' Austin
• Jo Dee Messina
• The Mavericks
• SCMA's Most Promising Entertainer-Darlene Tuleta
• 12 Gauge
• Jamie Warren
• Julian Austin
• Dixie Chicks
• Ricochet
• John Michael Montgomery

The festival also featured the Saskatchewan Country Music Association's Gospel Showcase & Brunch on Sunday. It included food for the tummy with a little music for the soul.

I would like to send out a special "thank you" to the Kinsmen for making this all possible. And I congratulate you on another successful year.

Glen R. Forrester, Torquay, Saskatchewan