source: Farm and Food Report
It is one of the most captivating scenic spreads of land in Saskatchewan.
With creeks, freshwater springs, buttes and canyons that make us want to imagine what life was like in this part of the world hundreds of years ago, the Big Muddy Badlands evoke both mystery and wonder.
Those who venture to the nearby town of Coronach on July 23 and 24 will be able to catch a glimpse of the past, as Coronach holds its second annual Outlaw Days Festival.
Kelly Elder is one of the organizers.
“We showcase the colourful history and diverse cultures of the Big Muddy Badlands during the Outlaw Days. We have put together a line-up of performers that touch upon each of the cultures that have contributed to the rich history of the area.”
The Big Muddy was known as Station No. 1 on Butch Cassidy's Outlaw Trail in the late 19th century, a highly organized escape route that stretched between Canada and Mexico. Some rather shady activities took place all along that corridor, especially near the Canada-U.S. border.
The region also has a history rooted in First Nations use of the territory. This warrants special attention. Among the invited guest performers at the Festival are The Kawacatoose Boys, a group of dancers and singers from Regina featuring former world champion hoop dancer Terrance Littletent.
“This group was the surprise hit of last year’s event and is sure to impress visitors again this year. They are a highly skilled troupe of dancers with their vibrant outfits, backed by their drummers and singers with whom they perform traditional grassland dances. This show is not to be missed.”
Of course, a few gunslingers will also be featured. Guns of the Golden West are back again this year to put on a display of trick shooting, fancy gun handling and shootouts.
Centenarian Bill Gomersall—together with brothers Ken and Slim Mitchell—make up the Writers of the Purple Sage, a gathering of wordsmiths animated with a rare passion for the lore of the West.
“Since their appearance at last year's Outlaw Days Festival, Bill, Ken and Slim have been busy sharing their love of cowboy poetry, and we look forward to hearing them again this year,” says Elder.
“The Mane Attraction, our own homegrown equine drill team, will also put on a show demonstrating just how much talent there is in the Big Muddy. These ladies and their horses perform precision formation riding set to music.”
Also featured will be the Trick Riders. They are 14-year-old trick rider Shelby Cummings from Water Valley, Alberta and 13-year-olds Roman Rider and Garrett Green from Meeting Creek, Alberta. They will thrill the crowd with their daring and fast-paced horseback riding skills.
The Dirty Shame Belles—a high kicking dance hall troupe from Scobey, Montana, will hit the planks during the day; as will the aptly named production Outlaws of the Big Muddy, a locally produced and staged full-length play about the Outlaws and Mounties of the Big Muddy Valley.
Now, what would an Outlaw Festival be without a bit of smoke and noise? Don’t miss the Black Powder Shoot. “Just sit back and watch or show off your marksmanship,” invites Elder. “Pioneer skills are a big part of what we are all about.
“We will also have Albert Hanson on hand to demonstrate how rope was made down on the farm or out on the ranch.” There will be storytelling about pioneer life, coal mining, ranching and likely some tall tales just for fun, and Will Gough, his partner Sheila and her daughter will put on daring demonstration of whip cracking for everyone’s enjoyment.
To set the stage in splendor, a wagon train leaving Willow Bunch on the morning of July 20th will arrive in the Coronach area the night of the 22nd, to take part in Saturday morning’s parade.
This is a one-of-a-kind event that is as much a labour of love, as a way for Coronach and the surrounding area to tap into local tourism opportunities. The Outlaw Days Festival is well worth witnessing.
To find out more visit:
http://www.coronach.ca/outlawdays.html
Kelly Elder
Outlaw Days
(306) 267-3348
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