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Second Wild West Jamboree features broomball on horseback, annual barn dance with the Brent Lee Band You may think you know the Wild West.

Second Wild West Jamboree features broomball on horseback, annual barn dance with the Brent Lee Band

You may think you know the Wild West.

But take another look at the second annual Wild West Jamboree, which takes place July 26 through 28 in Pemberton.

"We’re trying to showcase the country and western experience," says Jan Kennett, who has been working with her husband, Dudley Kennett, and a dozen committee members in town for the past few months to organize the Western-style extravaganza.

Most events take place at Pemberton Stables, with a few at outside locations.

Admission is $10 per day for the family pass or $5 per day for ages 13 and over.

Children age 12 and under are free, and must be accompanied by an adult.

"We have a very diverse community so it’s one way of bringing them together, including our friends and neighbours from Whistler," adds Kennett, who has been involved in aspects of the horse business with her husband for the last 20 years.

The festival, sponsored by the Pemberton and District Chamber of Commerce, has increased in size and scope this year.

"It has changed from last year, where the focus was a little more adult oriented. This year includes the 4-H show and other children’s events," says Lori Gobert, manager at Paperworks.

The celebration begins with the Pony Espresso Horse Race on Friday, July 26, followed by opening ceremonies.

The race challenges riders to carry a full cup of coffee from the Pony to the Pemberton Stables with enough coffee remaining to pour some out.

The ride does not necessarily award the fastest.

"Someone has already done the ride, so there’s a hidden time that a rider has recorded from outside the café, to the stables," says Gobert.

Events for children include the classic goat tying event, a variation on the pin the tail on the donkey as kids try to tie a ribbon on the tail of a goat.

Wagon rides will transport spectators on an hourly basis from downtown to the Pemberton stables, a fun travel option for the children.

A calf scramble (for ages 13 to 16), a pig scramble (for ages eight to 12), and foot races are also part of the events calendar.

New this year is the first ever broomball on horseback.

The daytime event is a mix of soccer, hockey, and polo, as teams of five players play in an open field, using an over-sized ball.

Meanwhile the Poker Ride on Sunday, July 28, is another kind of gamble.

Horse riders pick a hand, one card from each sack dangling from various trees, then winner takes all – in this case, a Western Rawhide Canadiana saddle with accessories, donated by the Animal Barn. There is a $20 entry fee.

Cowboy Church also takes place at Pemberton Stables, a non-denominational church featuring a pancake breakfast.

A stock dog demonstration will feature border collies from the B.C. Interior.

Revelry and fun are the names of the game, as demonstrations with livestock accompany horse-centre activities.

Cowboy entertainers will be playing music and reciting poetry.

Entertainers include Sue Stearns and guests, local musicians, Shirley Field, a singer and yodeler who was the first Canadian woman to become a member of the grand Ol’ Oprey, and Matt Johnston, with his mix of cowboy songs. Mike and Emily Olexson are a duo with strong vocal harmonies, while Kraig Jodrey brings a mix of both original material and classics.

Tammy Gislasen sings and plays mandolin, while Mike Puhallo presents a cowboy poetry presentation.

Puhallo is a versatile, accomplished poet, who has had his work read at a NASA launch and in the Canadian House of Commons. In summer 2001 he released his fifth book, titled Cowboy Poetry and Cartoons, with cartoonist Wendy Liddle. His column, Mike’s Meadow Muffins, is carried by several newspapers and magazines.

Puhallo has been a working cowboy, a saddle bronc rider, a packer, and horse trainer.

Members of the D’Arcy 4-H community club show off their abilities with dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, swine and photography.

Musician Brent Lee (who toured with Dwight Yoakam and Johnny Cash) headlines the annual Barn Dance, with rebel country hillbilly-rock from his outfit, the Brent Lee Band. They will play from their recently released second album, The Brent Lee Band — Songs from the Hat.

"It’s quite a stomp!" quips Kennett.

The dance received honourable mention Pique’s 2002 readers’ poll for top events.

The Lions Club will be on hand serving beef on a bun, with other Western-style food.

"There’s a lot of cowboy hats, it’s absolutely casual, anything goes!" adds Gobert.

The event takes place at the Copperdome Roothouse on Dill’s Straight Stretch on Saturday, July 26. Doors open at 8 p.m. with music starting at 9 p.m. A limited number of campsites are available at the Pemberton Stables.

"What we’re trying to do is promote the true country and rural experience, and showcase the beautiful Pemberton Valley," says Kennett.

Tickets are available for daytime jamboree festival events at the gate.

Barn dance tickets ($15) are pre-sold at Paperworks, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Pemberton Valley Supermarket. A limited number are available at the door.

For pre-registration, further information and tickets contact Jan Kennett at 604-894-6789.