INNISFAIL – Cloudy skies and cool temperatures did not dull the enthusiasm of hundreds of country music fans attending the Ivan Daines Friends & Heroes Country music Pick-Nic.
The 43rd annual event took place at the Daines Rodeo Ranch, north of Innisfail, from Aug. 7 to 11.
“We started off with the karaoke on Wednesday. There was great talent on Thursday, Friday (and all weekend),” said Ivan Daines.
The inclement weather forced all performances to be held under shelter in the dance hall, he noted, but did not dampen any spirits.
The event honoured the 20th anniversary of the Alberta Men and Women of Country Music.
“We’re saluting a lot of great people (this week) like Donna and Leroy Anderson,” said Daines. “It’s a great tribute to all of us.”
In addition to music, guests also enjoyed barn dances, bonfires, horse training sessions, vendors, and a pancake breakfast Sunday morning.
The annual summertime pick-nic showcases many artists from across Alberta.
“Ivan just wants to support all the upcoming and local talent and anybody in Alberta who’s trying to make it in the industry,” said Tanya Nydokus, master of ceremonies and organizer for the event.
“Wednesday was very busy, it was the first day (for the pick-nic). It was a really, really good turnout but Thursday and Friday were a little bit quieter,” she added.
Nydokus said they expected a large turnout for headliners Donna and Leroy Anderson of the Tommy Hunter Show and Alberta country artist Tim Hus, who both performed Saturday evening.
She noted several visitors in attendance are longtime returnees, who come to the event every year from across the province.
“There are people that were saying last night that it’s been 25 years they’ve been coming here (to the country music pick-nic),” said Nydokus.
One of the many country music lovers attending the event for the first time was Janine Greenwood from the Sundre area.
“It’s pretty awesome actually and the weather’s holding out so it’s awesome that way too,” said Greenwood. “We’re here to see some people and to see what it’s all about because we’ve never been.
“It’s a fun weekend,” Greenwood concluded.
