Country Stuff
One of many drop in surprise guests ! Can you guess who this one is?
The 'Great Little Honky Tonk Place' to go. Partied there many times over the years. Great local artists and sometimes a surprise guest or two! Try a Gabby's Golfcart and you'll be addicted to them. Be yourself, have a supertime! Say hi to the staff and tell them Jackie Daniels Amanda sent you! For more information click on 'Gabby's' and visit their site.
1999 Merritt Gang
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The most of the most when it comes to having a super time with friends! Depending on when you arrive, it can be a weekend to a week of fantastic partying, great music, an assortment of unusual and crazy people, an adventure in the challenges of weather (whether it be wind, dust, mud or a beat you heat!). If you're lucky, you'll get to meet great artists and whether you've been before or not you can stomp it down and chug it at the outdoor beer garden where many people spend their entire time. Take a tour of Campsites A-C (and maybe Reserved if you're lucky to know someone or meet someone who will give you a tour). You're bound to find the most incredible campsites with hottubs, dancefloors, pooltables, crazy paraphenilia or in general an abundance of extremely friendly and welcoming people. If you're stuck in the middle of the mainstage and the beergardens or your campsite, make sure you check out the cool tents and especially the incredible food (if it's muddy....they'll deliver it to you where you stand!) If you don't like country music...come anyways, you will love it!!!!! Don't forget to bring your country gear, warm items, raincoats, rubberboots and sunscreen (oh yeah...and plenty of water for those mornings you're feeling especially parched!)
Don't be kidding yourself though....Merritt is only for the brave and those ready to have and share a good time!
I've been to Merritt 3 times and boy have I got stories!!!! Just ask me about goat hill, the tale of the lost boot, how to locate a missing sister in a garden full of wilted flowers, flying tents, golf cart concussions or what it takes to get a hat full of fries! The best thing about Merritt is that "What happens in Merritt, stays in Merritt! " (You'd be best off to follow that rule of thumb for yourself and your friends' sake) In 1999, I had the honour of going with the Gabby's crew! We had the most ultimate spot on "Gabby's Hill" and you couldn't miss us if you tried. Jen taught us girls how to make wildflower wreaths for our heads and hats. They were a big hit and people wanted to buy them off us. We were quite a crew in a rubber boots and flower wreaths so gently placed upon our angelic heads (ha ha). You might of seen us present Deana Carter with her own personal wreath during her performance. She thanked us all in person after her show and naturally we got pictures. Julian Austin and his band were pretty cool to chum with. I can honestly say that I outchugged a few when it came to the Tequila bottle. All in all...Merritt is the place to be in July and.....you'll never believe the amount of people you'll bump into or meet or how crazy and wild of a time you can have! You just have to go there to experience it, there's just no way I can explain it fully!
GREAT BANDS & ARTIST LINKS...
Aaron Pritchett Band
Dixie Chicks
Farmer's Daughter
Kathy Cramer
Ken McCoy & Crosswind
Julian Austin
Universal Canada
Canadian Artists (CCMA)
If you've never been to a Rodeo, this is one you should go to. The exhibition site is full of things to do and see. If you are of drinking age, enter the LongHorn Saloon, the biggest of any saloons around, and enjoy music and a mass of great people to meet. Or try the Wild Cactus Saloon located outside. Both stages have great performers, most of them local acts, that can get any crowd going. If you have kids, take them to the other side of the grounds where there is plenty of entertainment, games, and rides for children. If you like arts and crafts and homemade stuff there's place to browse or buy it, if you like carpentry and fixit stuff, try the Shell Busey Exhibits. Don't forget to take in the show and watch real cowboys ride bulls, rope calves, and clown around. Something for everyone and always a great time!
The people that put this event together work really hard all year round to make sure that this event is successful and has met the needs of everyone. I know because I starting volunteering my services as a volunteer many years ago and then moved onto becoming the Volunteer Coordinator and taking part in the CR&E Committee. It takes tonnes of preparation, decision making, coordinating, and is a 24 hour job to keep things running smoothly during that May long weekend. This event is mainly run by wonderful volunteers, most of them who have been with us for years, and also many newcomers. Volunteers are wonderful people and without them, this event would be lost. Please be sure to say hello to the volunteers and staff and let them know what a good job they are doing. Make sure you visit the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition webite by clicking on their logo above to get much more information, as well as how you can purchase tickets for the performances and where you can stay locally if you live out of town. Hope to see you there!
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