Pemberton gets back in the saddle this weekend

Saddle up the horses. This weekend is Pemberton’s first annual Cowboy Festival.

The fun gets started Friday afternoon when gates open at the Pemberton Stables at 3 p.m. Stick around for the chili cook out around the campfire and enjoy art from authentic cowboys. Local artists are also welcome to join in.

The official opening ceremonies will happen at 11:40 Saturday morning with native dancing and drumming and open sessions from cowboy poets and storytellers. Grand Ol' Oprey yodeller, Shirley Field, is the feature performer at the Stables at 6:30 p.m.

Mosey down the road to the Auction Barn at 8 p.m. for the annual Barn Dance. The Cowboy Festival was actually inspired by the Barn Dance, a community highlight for years. Music is provided by Oongakka Chang.

Wake up early Sunday morning for the pancake breakfast and Cowboy Church. The rest of the afternoon at the Stables is open for mingling and impromptu performances.

Limited camping is available on site for $10 per night. Festival passes may be purchased at the gates on a daily basis, or are $30 for the entire weekend. For more information call Jan at 604-894-6477.