There’s a certain sense of community and respect among ranchers and cowboys, and when one of their own needs help, people rally in support.
Darcey Smith, an Interlakes area cowboy and musician, values the contributions made by pioneers of the South Cariboo and those, past and present, who make their living from ranching and working with the land.
Smith says he felt the need to lend a hand after learning Dan Lytton of Sheridan Lake is ill.
One of the most valuable things Smith has to share is his music and he’s using it to raise some extra cash for Lytton and his family in these tough times.
On June 22-24, he’s presenting an outdoor concert, A Tribute to Cariboo Cowboys, with the help of a few well-known western entertainers, including singer/song writer Ivan Daines of Innisfail, Alberta and legendary Canadian performer Alan Moberg of Saltspring Island. Hugh McLellan, widely known for his Spirit of the West radio show, and Josslyn Ryan, third runner-up in South Cariboo Idol 2011 will also be there, along with local musicians Jason Ruscheinsky and Connie Simpson.
It takes place at Little Horse Lodge campground at Green Lake and camping is free with admission. The facility is fully equipped with power outlets, showers and drinking water.
Gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday and music will be non-stop until 2 a.m. On Saturday, entertainment runs from noon to 2 a.m. Sunday opens with a cowboy gospel morning with Moberg at 10 a.m. and the day comes to a close at 10 p.m. Open microphone segments are part of the program, so people are encouraged to bring along their guitars and violins.
The lodge will have the barbecue fired up all weekend and people can fill their plates for $15.
A concert day pass is $20 and a weekend pass is $45. Children 10 years and under get in free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Log House Apparel, Tack and Harness, Country Pedlar, Little Horse Lodge, 70 Mile General Store, 100 Mile Feed and Ranch Supply, Donex Pharmacy & Department Store and Bridge Lake Store.
Smith says he’s expecting a good turnout for the concert.
“We have lots of support coming in, and in the first week of June, we already had 100 people committed just through word of mouth.”
Lytton, a longtime local cowboy, was a talented team roper and farrier before a rodeo accident in 2000 put him in a wheelchair. He didn’t let his disability hold him down and has continued to raise cattle on his Sheridan Lake ranch and is involved in community endeavours.
He has recently been diagnosed with cancer.
For more information about the concert, contact Smith at 250-593-4586 or 250-609-3022.
