MEETING LAKE REGIONAL PARK — The Rabbit Lake and District Agricultural Association, with the help of a lot of community friends, pulled off a great show again this year – the Carlton Trail Jamboree, July 3, 4 and 5.
Approximately 1,000 people came to fill the hill and they certainly got what they came for. It had all the makings of a typical country event; a smoky barroom, a jukebox spinning out the classics and a bar to help the needy drown their sorrows.
Well, almost. There was smoke billowing from the north into the valley causing a blue haze. There was a lineup of top-notch entertainers bringing classics and new releases to life. There were beer gardens and food booths where old friends and now new ones could mingle.
In addition there was children’s entertainment. There were souvenirs, airbrush tattoos, pancake breakfasts – all of this and more, with the absence of mosquitoes.
The weather was great. One small shower Friday settled the dust, which was perfect. The campsites were full. Ticket sales surpassed last year as did the beer garden revenue. Not all the numbers have been crunched, so a final tally is not yet known.
This year’s lineup was great with Codie Prevost headlining Friday, the Stampeders Saturday and Brett Kissell finishing the weekend with a bang Sunday. In addition to these three, 16 performers rounded out the three-day show. Several people said any one of the participants could have been the headliner.
The Friday lineup consisted of four performers: In With the Old, Big River Boys, Darlene Tuleta and Codie Prevost.
The Saturday program comprised Grid Road and Friends, Layton Ferster, The Lady and Gentleman Jammers, Coffee or Scotch, Dallas Schira, Joydyn Pollard, Idyll Wild, Kelsey Fitch, Brody Siebert and Thirty Aught Six.
Sunday featured Larry Krause, Joanna Dee, Lisa Lambert and Trail Dust and Lisa Moen.
Every performance was of top quality and all the acts were unique. The local talent did not have to take a backseat to the “big names” at all.
As in years past, Kelly Bourdages did a great job as MC.
After the stage show was finished, Trick Ryder entertained in the beer tent.
Sunday evening was a night to remember for one ticket buyer. Alain Grosjean of North Battleford became $3,915 richer after the 50-50 draw.
The Rabbit Lake and District Agricultural Association is made up of: Russell Aumack, president; Mickey Allchurch, vice-president; Kathy Aumack, treasurer; Alan Laughlin, secretary; and directors Dave Rodh, Mary MacDonald, Wilfred Krelow, Dustin Bassingthwaite, Joan Dzialo, Christine MacDonald, Amanda Moore and Clifford Smith.
Although those are the committee members, an event like this could not have happened without the help of the community. Medstead 4-H Club did an amazing job of looking after the pancake breakfasts and providing children’s entertainment all through the jamboree.
