For years now, local musician and artist Rob Dinwoodie has endeavoured to share the history of this area through the eye of the cowboy.
His summer-long Cowboy Dinner Show at Historic O’Keefe Ranch has been enjoyed by thousands from around the world.
“Whether you’re a faithful returning fan or a tourist seeking a fun-filled event to share with friends this is an evening you don’t want to miss,” said Dinwoodie. “A dinner show requires a story to tell and what better story than that of our very own O’Keefe Ranch.”
The gold rush of 1858 brought throngs of gold seekers from all over the world to B.C. One such optimist was Cornelius O’Keefe, whose story will be told in a unique and memorable way by local playwright and radio personality Jason Armstrong.
“We’ve developed a very interactive show that satisfies all the senses, fom a delicious cowboy feast presented by Cattlemen’s Club Restaurant, to story, song and poetry shared over a crackling campfire,” said Dinwoodie.
Guests will have the opportunity to ride the very B.X. Express stagecoach that once transported miners into the Cariboo gold fields as well as try their hand at lasso throwing using authentic cowboy lassos. Those with a flair for performing will learn the fine art of cowboy yodeling.
Historian, author and cowboy poet Ken Mather is also returning to share legend and lore with the audience in a creative and memorable way, bringing his depth of knowledge of the Valley and its history to the stage.
Kevin Bader and Dixon Zalit add an energetic musical component to this year’s show, playing, as Dinwoodie puts it, “anything that has strings on it!”
“The Cowboy Dinner Show has become a must-see event for visitors to British Columbia,” added Dinwoodie. “It is so rewarding for us to hear how the evening becomes a piece of the memories taken from our beautiful Okanagan Valley”.
The Cowboy Dinner Show runs every Friday night at the Historic O’Keefe Ranch for the months of July and August. Tickets are by reservation only at (250) 542-7868 or www.okeeferanch.com.
