Some top country music artists will be in Fort Macleod this weekend for the first Canadian Country Weekend.
Ian Tyson, Terri Clark, George Canyon and Gord Bamford headline the new addition to the summer festival scene in Fort Macleod.
“We have some of the very best acts you can get in Canadian country music,” Oldman Entertainment Ltd. general manager Broc Higginson said.
Organizers are predicting crowds of 4,000 people on Friday, Aug. 12 and Saturday, Aug. 13 at Fort Macleod Fish and Game Park.
Higginson said research indicates crowds of 4,000 are realistic for a first-time event, and the numbers could hit 7,000.
“If we get the attendance we expect this will be an annual event,” Higginson said. “Next to Whoop Up Days and the air show, we could be the biggest event in southern Alberta.”
Higginson said research shows that once it is established the event could attract as many as 15,000 people.
“It’s going to be one of the premiere events in western Canada for country music,” Town of Fort Macleod economic development officer Martin Ebel said.
Trevor Panczak and Rough Stock kick off the weekend at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, followed by Cold Shot, Craig Moritz, Tim Hus, Terri Clark and Jaydee Bixby.
Dusty D. Leitchfield gets things going at 12 noon Saturday, Aug. 13, followed by Chet Dufresse Band, Breanne Urban and Southern Flyer, Shane Chisolm, One More Girl, Ian Tyson, Gord Bamford, George Canyon and Trevor Panczak and Rough Stock.
Terry Grant, the former star of the Mantracker television series, will attend the Canadian Country Weekend.
The Mounted Patrol from The Fort — Museum of the North West Mounted Police is scheduled to perform during the weekend.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump will bring its “Living off the Land” program to Fort Macleod Fish and Game Park.
The Remington Carriage Centre will also have a presence on the weekend.
In addition, there is a merchants village being set up featuring a variety of products.
In addition to existing campgrounds, motels and bed and breakfasts in Fort Macleod, visitors can also camp at Midnight Stadium.
A limited amount of paid parking is available at Fish and Game Park, so shuttle buses will be available to transport people to and from the park for $3 a ride.
The shuttle will run throughout the weekend, stopping at Midnight Stadium and the Empress Theatre.
“I’m really looking forward to next weekend,” Higginson said. “Hopefully we’re going to have a beautiful weekend and lots of people coming out.”