Right down to it..

Ola! and thanks for all the patience in waiting for my second Blog since my arrival to Camrose. My days here are very long and so finding time to actually sit down and reflect and regurgitate all the information Ive been storing is very difficult.

Let me first start by saying that Camrose is starting to warm up to me and in turn I to it. There are many oxymoron's about this "city" however, more and more my time here is spent gaining valuable experience and a wealth of knowledge.

In this blog I wanted to pinpoint a few key events since the last time I wrote, that I have had the pleasure of taking part of .

The first of these events is The Big Valley Jamboree, held every year at the Camrose Regional Exhibition centre and Fairgrounds. BVJ, as it is known fondly here in Camrose is a 4 day Country Music Festival that brings Canadians and Americans alike to the small city for a weekend of debauchery, drunkenness and a chance to show off how well you can "Two-Step".
Here's a look at what the Sponsors have to say about it:

Never Been to BVJ?
Well Then, Let’s Get This Party Started…
Explaining what Canada’s biggest country music extravaganza is all about is like describing your first kiss. Or the first time you saw a rainbow. It’s hard to put it into words, but it sure makes you feel good inside. Whether you’re a true blue country music fan, or just like to have fun in a casual, relaxed atmosphere, Big Valley Jamboree is the event for you.

Okay, where to start? Well, first thing, you’d better set aside four days in early August. Grab some comfortable clothes. Call your favourite people. Then join concert-goers from around the globe who make the yearly pilgrimage to a 400-acre mini village that’s created each year in Camrose, Alberta. It’s an amazing sight, and what makes it extra-special is the neighbourly feel that abounds.

There’s a reason BVJ was voted the Canadian Country Music Association’s Country Music Event of The Year in 2001, 2004 and 2006. It’s because of the non-stop action that’s available for you to enjoy. But the great thing is you set the pace. You can throw a party, or throw a pillow under your head and have a siesta. Not for too long though, because the best country music acts in the world are on the main stage from morning till night. Don't forget, there's also a trade show with all kinds of fabulous stuff, and where else can you start the day off watching the wild thrills of bull riding!

We’ve only just begun to describe the amount of different things there are for you to enjoy at BVJ. To learn more, check out this site and start making your plans. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s event—the 15th annual! It’s the place to meet some really good people. But the party just wouldn’t be complete unless you’re there too. See you in August!

Making A Good Thing Even Better…
Each year, BVJ spends around $150,000 on site improvements for items such as increased paving, assigned camping and site lighting. We’re always looking at new ways to make your experience even more exceptional.

Performers this year included Paul Brandt, Larry the Cable Guy, Little Big Town, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Hey Romeo and Jaydee Bixby amongst many others.

As someone who only enjoys the occasional Trisha Yearwood or George Strait song, I wasn't necessarily thrilled about going, but my host family goes to the Kickoff party every year and also takes part in volunteering for the Cleanup through their church to help raise money for the youth group. As a volunteer and an observer, I must say that while not comparable to so Music Festivals held in other places, Big Valley lived up t its name and provided not only some revenue for sweet Camrose but also great fun for it's residents and visitors. Unlike other Music festivals I have taken part in, BVJ proved to be a rather safe and collected good ol' time! BVJ This is year was Thursday July 31st to Sunday August 3rd. Information for next years jamboree can be found at http://www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/........... Word is they have Tim McGraw lined up and ready for 2009;)

On a more local note, the next event to be highlighted in this edition of my blog will be Founders Day. A day to commemorate the Early beginnings of Camrose and the people who have made it what it is today.

Founders Day was held August 15th to 17th and brought out the locals of Camrose for a community fun filled event. A peek from the Founder Day committee website:

Celebrations at Camrose Founders Days August 15th to 17th will mark 100 year milestones for many Camrose organizations. Daily activities take place Downtown on Main Street, Camrose Centennial Museum and the Camrose Railway Museum. At Founders Square we will honour several Founders with plaques added to the walls of the fountain.

Celebrating
100 years since the Bailey Theatre was built by Camille David and called The David Theatre
100 years since the Camrose Board of Trade was founded (now the Camrose Chamber of Commerce)
100 years since 10 hospital rooms were made available above the E. Thompson & Company store
100 years since the Camrose Canadian was established by G. P. Smith
100 years since the first telephone directory was issued with 50 residents and businesses signed up
100 years since The Canadian Club was founded in Camrose
100 years since the first band was organized
100 years since the first veterinarian, W. Thompson
100 years since since Camrose Agricultural Society was founded

Honouring

-->Camille Davidearly entrepreneur / adventurous soul / visionary who built the historic Bailey Theatre

Camille David was a well respected Camrose area rancher and visionary businessman. David sold wines, spirits, and cigars in the fledgling town of Camrose. He was a partner in the original Windsor Hotel which was located where the Alice Hotel now stands. David is also renowned for founding The David Theatre in 1909. His theatre was designed for popular vaudeville performances. He sold the theatre in 1914 to Stan Bailey, consequently renamed the Bailey Theatre, soon to undergo major restoration.

--Chris Langbell early entrepreneur / noted photographer / founding member of the Camrose community band

In 1904 the adventurous entrepreneur C. L. (Chris) Langbell set up a photography studio and gallery on Main Street in Camrose which flourished for over 50 years. Besides photography, Chris Langbell had a passion for radio. In 1928 he initiated his own radio station and the first radio station in Camrose was born. Langbell was also a founding member of the Camrose Community Band

My exposure to this community event was limitied to the Centennial Museum where half of the participants volunteered for the day and helped organize and run the Penny Carnival for the kids of Camrose. Although it wasnt the greatest tunrout, we maybe had 15 kids, it was a great success and huge reward to see the kids all smiling, laughing and having a good, safe, drug free time.

I think events like these are important to showcase becaue they not only exude a certain commuinity strength but an effort to create safe and fun environments even in a community where small town politics and big city problems create diversions. Absolutley events like this happen everywhere in Canada but both hit the newspapers sans death, tragedy and remorse. They may have been small in the eyes of this city fox, but they left a big impact and great memories for myslf and all who took part in them. Bravo Camrose! I guess you shut this city girl up for now.

Pictures and Information about founders day can be found at their website

http://www.camrosefoundersdays.com/

Hasta llego!