It's a celebration of country music and rodeo.
The 40th annual Ivan Daines Friends and Heroes Country Music Pick-Nic takes place Aug. 10 to 14 at the Daines Ranch and Rodeo Grounds, six kilometres north of Innisfail.
“I'm so proud of the people that support me and continue to do it and want to be a part of this event,” said Ivan Daines. “I'm working on a CD for the picnic and the lead song will be called The 40th Anniversary. It's 40 years in one song.”
Daines said this year will be another fantastic event filled with country music, cowboys, entertainers and plenty of good old country fun.
The picnic will also include a mix of country music and rodeo, including Canadian champion horse trainers, youth rodeo, barrel racing and other horse events, noted Daines.
The annual event will feature a long list of country artists such as Duane Steele, David Frizzell, Lacey J. Dalton and Denver Daines.
“It's very humbling,” said Daines of the 40-year show and the support it's received over the years. “In the anniversary song I try to replay how great the people have been throughout the 40 years – all the singers, the pickers, the cowboys and the cowgirls,” he added. “It's a big honour.”
Superstar Rex Allen Jr., son of famed American film and television actor, singer and songwriter Rex Allen, will also take to the stage during the five-day event.
“One thing that's very important to me is that a lot of singers and entertainers are calling in and saying they want to sing at the 40th annual picnic. It has grown so much, but I've never said no to anybody in 40 years,” said Daines. “If they're in the business I'm honoured to showcase their talent.”
He noted several Canadian country singers who will also be featured in this year's lineup, including Steele, R. Harlan Smith and Denver Daines.
“From Nashville, there's Tennessee talent Lacey J. Dalton, Marty Haggard, David Frizzell and Rex Allen Jr. He's a lot like his dad and is a truly great performer.”
Rain or shine, the 40th annual Country Music Pick-Nic is expected to be another great showcase of country music from across North America, said the renowned local cowboy.
“The event will run all day and all night,” Daines concluded.
Ivan Daines
"One thing that's very important to me is that a lot of singers and entertainers are calling in and saying they want to sing at the 40th annual picnic. It has grown so much, but I've never said no to anybody in 40 years."
