North Thompson Valley newspaper readers know him as the ‘Meadow Muffin Man’. A cowboy poet who for many years has made our readers laugh, cry, and enjoy rural and cowboy life through the magical words of his poetry.
Mike Puhallo is the guy who brought Cowboy Concerts to our communities; he is an icon for bringing cowboy entertainment each year to the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo, and Mike is also the guy who was always the first one there to put on a benefit concert anytime someone was in need.
Well, now’s the time to turn the table and to pay him back. Mike and his family are going through some trying times right now as he battles brain cancer; they are facing many expenses, not to mention the fact the his wife, Linda, is having to work when she’d like to be spending all of her time with Mike.
We’d also like to see them be able to fly their son home to see his dad, and hopefully be able to take in the benefit concert for Mike being held this month.
Mike Puhallo could be referred to as Mr. Kamloops Cowboy Festival, Mr. BC Cowboy Hall of Fame, and Mr. BC Cowboy Heritage Society. Mike is one of the founders of all three, and has put a big chunk of his life over the last 15 years towards the betterment of all three, and everything connected to them. He’s put on numerous cowboy concerts over the years, many of which have been benefit concerts for others. It’s his turn now, to sit in the audience, relax, and enjoy the show.
The BC Cowboy Heritage Society is putting on the benefit concert for the Puhallos (with partial proceeds going to the Cancer Center for the Southern Interior). The concert is on Friday, May. 13, 7 p.m., at the Calvary Community Church in Kamloops. The lineup of entertainment looks like this could be one of the best Cowboy Concerts ever, and it’s definitely for one of the most deserving people!
Entertainers Gary Fjellgaard, Tim Hus and his band, Hugh McLennan, Butch Falk, Dave Longworth, Matt Johnston, and Shirley Field, will all have a turn on stage and family and friends will be running a concession during intermission. Tickets are just $15 in advance, or $20 at the door, and can be prepurchased at the Horse Barn in Kamloops, the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin in Williams Lake, or from the BC Cowboy Heritage Society at their toll free phone number 1-888-763-2224.
If you can’t make the concert and you’d like to help please send a cheque made out to BCCHS, with Mike Puhallo in the memo line, to; The BC Cowboy Heritage Society, Box 137, Kamloops, B.C., Canada, V2C 5K3.
BCCHS vice-president Mark McMillan asks, “please don’t write directly to Mike,” as family is working hard to keep his spirits up.
