Crowsnest Pass finalist for Small Town Saturday Night contest

The community of the Crowsnest Pass has been named one of the top 10 finalists for the Small Town Saturday Night contest (STSN).

Only two communities in southern Alberta are part of the top 10 finalists, the other being Duchess.

The Crowsnest Pass made the top 10 with 4,369 votes.

The top 10 finalists are looking to be the winner which includes hosting a concert headlined by country music star Gord Bamford. That event can also be used as a fundraiser.

“As the KRA (Kananaskis Rodeo Association) ready has plans for a cabaret that night, it would work perfectly,” says Sacha Anderson, CED and marketing co-ordinator for the Community Futures Crowsnest Pass.

Anderson adds they’ve always been proud of the Crowsnest Pass and the calibre of events they’ve hosted in the past.

“A mini Big Valley Jamboree is right up CNP’s alley and with the date of the concert awarded being on April 29, we thought it would be a perfect fit with our annual Kananaskis Pro Rodeo (hosted April 28-30). A pro rodeo and a BVJ event is a perfect combo,” she says.

Officials with the KRA entered the contest on behalf of all of the communities that make up the Crowsnest Pass.

The winner receives a miniBig Valley Jamboree hosted by that organization in their own town.

Anderson says BVJ officials bring the artists, production, etc. and it’s up to the winning group to provide the facility.

On Feb. 18, a film crew was in the Crowsnest Pass to film the community, some of the attractions, what the proceeds of the concert would go towards and how important music is to the community.

Each of the top 10 finalist communities will be represented with a film.

“It went fantastic, for the little amount of time we received. We found out (the) Thursday afternoon that we had a film crew showing up on (the) Saturday morning, so we had about 36 hours to pull something together,” adds Anderson.

She says the community showed up to a skijoring practice, they had local musicians show up in the cold who jammed for a couple of hours and gave them some great filming segments, along with some of the rest of the community.

“We believe that CNP is an awesome community to live and play in and winning STSN would give us some bragging rights to say, ‘yeah, we’re a fun town and we know how to put on a concert and have a great time,’” points out Anderson.

If the KRA wins the contest, all proceeds are to be dedicated to replacing their aging rodeo equipment and stock pens, doing some facility enhancements within their local skating arena (where the rodeo is held) and putting a playground in front of the arena.

“Vote for Crowsnest Pass every day. We’re the only very southern community left in the contest and we’d love and appreciate the support,” adds Anderson.

The next round of voting began March 13 and people will get the chance to vote for their favourite community video with this round.

The winner will be announced March 28.

People can cast their votes online through the Big Valley Jamboree website www.BigValleyJamboree.com.

The grand prize concert on April 29 will headline Bamford with Danny Hooper as the master of ceremonies. There will also be other Canadian country music entertainers yet to be announced.

As well, the show will open with a songwriters’ circle comprised of artists.