The Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation invites everyone over to the RancheHouse for a celebration of Alberta’s unique western culture with the 2024 Stockmen’s Bunkhouse Bonanza on Jan.18 to 20.
Over the three days, special programming by different artists, performers, and organizations with western roots will showcase and connect guests to Alberta’s agricultural roots.
Starting on Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event will be open to junior high students. students will be able to tour the different displays and activities on site. Students will also have the opportunity to earn Cochrane Dollars by engaging with different displays.
At the end of their tour, students will enjoy special performances by Indigenous dancers, western singers, cowboy poets, and an auction led by an experienced cattle auctioneer where students can bid using their Cochrane Dollars.
Programming costs for students will be covered by a special donation from Cochrane Home Treasures.
From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., the event will be open to local senior homes, where resident can have the chance to enjoy the event in a quiet and relaxed setting. Admission costs for this portion will be sponsored by local businesses to ensure seniors can attend at no cost.
On Jan. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Stockmen’s will partner with Red Bow Ag. Who will host the Ladies Livestock Lessons conference at the Bunkhouse Bonanza.
The event will be ticketed and is limited to 75 participants. It will focus on livestock related topics, but will have an overarching theme that celebrates the history of the livestock industry and how it shaped Alberta.
From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Cochrane Chamber of Commerce will host their Cowboys and Commerce ticketed event that will bring local businesses together and immerse them with western culture.
The main day of the event will run on Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be open to the public, and residents of all ages are welcome to attend.
The event will host a variety of western artisans and educational exhibits that all have a connection to Alberta’s western heritage or the land itself.
It will also feature two special concert sessions at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. which will feature performances by The Travelling Mabels and opening acts that include Indigenous performers, cowboy poetry, and western music.
Ticket prices range from $10 per ticket for Stockmen’s members, $15 per advance ticket, and $20 at the door.
For more information about the Bunkhouse Bonanza, please visit Stockmen.ca or call 403-932-3782.
