South Country Trappers dinner a sold out success

SCTA President Jim Simpson with Cowboy Poet Doris Daley
T.  Lucas photos

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The lifestyle of the trapper was an integral part of the the building of Canada as a nation, but it is not all in the past.  South Country Trappers Association held their AGM and dinner at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek.  The sold out event included dinner, entertainment, an auction and the chance to mingle and meet with friends new and old.  Of note was the number of young people involved with the evening.  Although youngsters were there with family, many were actively involved with the evening by selling tickets or demonstrating auction items.  A few said that they enjoyed trapping, and had completed a course on trapping.   Children between the ages of 8 and 16 years old could talk about trapper safety, animal habits, and the fur trade industry.

Elizabeth shows a wolf skull

There were over 90 people in attendance for a dinner prepared by Twin Butte Country Store.  A feature of the evening was Doris Daley, a Cowboy Poet from Turner Valley of international renown, having won accolades in her field in Texas and Albuquerque.  In 2004 she was named Best Female Cowboy Poet in North America by the Academy of Western Artists.  Daley brought a refreshing sense of humour that looked at the old and the new with a style and wit demonstrating her impeccable timing.

Jim Simpson with Gordy Klassen

A number of Directors from the Alberta Trappers Association were in attendance including President Gordy Klassen.  In 2016 the Alberta Trappers Rendezvous is scheduled to happen in Pincher Creek.  This annual event happens in July and usually attracts between 700 to 1,000 people.  "It's very exciting that it is coming here," said South Country Trappers President Jim Simpson.

Russell enjoys drawing animals

After the entertainment there was an auction presided over by Allan Lively and Frank Jenkins of Southern Alberta Livestock Exchange.

Auctioneer Frank Jenkins 

"Everyone has been really great," said Simpson about the evening.  "The meal has been great, the entertainment was fantastic, and we just have to see what the auction does."

Pincher Creek Rodeo Queen Chelsea Stokke shows auction items

The Executive of the South Country Trappers Association  has not changed dramatically.  Kelly Simpson let us know that the new Board Executive consists of:  President Jim Simpson, Vice President Ken Hildebrand, Secretary Kelly Simpson.  On the  Board of Directors Bruce Mackintosh, Brent Sinclair, and Rod Graham.