The 15th Annual Gather in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada October 11-14, 2007
Keep A Good Thing Going!
A Call for Submissions
2007 REGISTRATION FORM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11:
10 AM – 6 PM: Registration for conference at Medicine Hat Lodge, Main Foyer, Registration Fee $45.00 (Canadian $). Note: Friday Awards Banquet included in fee.
7 PM – 10 PM: Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre
- Tour of Museum, Archives & Heritage galleries.
- “Will James Drawings” – a small exhibition of artworks from private collections and Glenbow Museum.
- Wine and cheese reception for “Going West” – an exhibition of artworks selected from the Permanent Collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (Esplanade Art Gallery).
- “Alias Will James” – National Film Board production presented in Studio Theatre.
- “Spirit of the Cowboy” – children’s art show.
- “Hello Will James!” – special exhibition of illustrated ‘letters’ addressed to Will James, written by contemporary individuals.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12:
8 AM – 10 AM: Will James Society Board Meeting – Conference Room at Medicine Hat Lodge.
9 AM – Noon: Registration continued at Medicine Hat Lodge.
10 AM – 1 PM: Medicine Hat Historic Clay District
- Tour of Medalta Potteries site and buildings.
- Special exhibit of historic ‘ranch ware.’
- “Cowboy Country Exposed” – an exhibition of contemporary photography by regional artists presented in the ‘Squared Gallery.’
- Homemade chili reception hosted by Friends of Medalta and Historical Society of Medicine Hat and District.
2 PM – 4 PM: Medicine Hat Public Library
- Will James Society presentation of complete set of Will James books to Shortgrass Library System.
- “Smoky the Cowhorse” – special exhibit of artifacts, memorabilia and ephemera associated with the award-winning Will James novel.
- “Smoky” – 1934 Fox Films movie show in Library Theatre (lower level).
- Coffee and dessert reception in Honor Currie Room, hosted by Friends of the Library and the Shortgrass Library System.
6 PM – 10 PM: Banquet Hall of Medicine Hat Lodge
- No host cash bar.
- Awards Banquet – buffet featuring Alberta Beef.
- “Words and Songs from the Range” – program featuring local musicians and cowboy poets.
- Fundraiser auction for the Will James Society book gifting program.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13:
9 AM – Noon: Hilites of Medicine Hat Tour
- Police Point Park and Interpretative Centre.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Jim Marshall murals.
- Historic Downtown Walking Tour; also City Hall.
- Heritage Village; Exhibition and Stampede Grounds.
- World’s Tallest Tepee (Saamis prehistoric site).
1 PM – 6 PM: Medicine Hat Cultural Centre
- Cowboy Arts Fair - cowboy crafts, jewelry, vintage books, Will James books and souvenirs, western collectibles, prints and cards, etc. Display and vendors in Choir Room.
- Art studios open for viewing - pottery, fiber arts, painting, etc.; hallway displays.
- Black Box Theatre - Will James films ("Smoky," "The Man They Call Will James," rare film footage from the Rocking R ranch, etc.
- Recital Hall - cowboy poetry and entertainment, Medicine Hat Writers' Club presentation, "Not Just Another Cowboy Show" (slide show of photographs produced during the late 1800's and early 1900's), "Cowboyography 101: Will James from a Canadian Prospective" (slide/lecture for novice Will James fans!).
- Reception (2:00 - 3:30 PM) for "Open Range" - an exhibition of artworks in all media by numerous artists from Alberta and Saskatchewan; works exhibited in the Cultural Centre Gallery. Refreshments served in Lounge (hosted by Medicine Hat College and Cultural Centre Gallery Association).
7 PM – 10 PM: Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Park - Canadian Seniors Pro Rodeo performance at the Cypress Centre; beer garden and no-host bar.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14:
10 AM – 11:30 AM: Cowboy Church Service - special program hosted by Heights Baptist Church (tentative); country and western musical performers.
12 Noon: Happy Trails!.
1 PM – 3:30 PM: Canadian Seniors Pro Rodeo – finals performance at the Cypress Centre (Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Grounds).
Please Note: This schedule of events should be considered as tentative; certain times, venues and events may be changed to accommodate new developments. We will keep you up to date the best we can.
Our hotel of choice for the 2007 Gather & Cowboy Festival is the Medicine Hat Lodge, a four-star facility conveniently located just off the Trans-Canada Hway. The Lodge will act as the registration centre for the Gather and the site for the Will James Society Banquet and Fundraiser Auction. As well as being a hotel (over 220 rooms) and convention centre, Medicine Hat Lodge has two dining restaurants, two licensed lounges, a casino, health spa and indoor waterslide park. The W.J.S. Board Meeting will also be held at the Lodge.
Special Rate:$99.00 (Canadian Dollars) Be sure to specify that you are with the Will James Society. (Limited time held on room block).
These spacious deluxe rooms include either two queen beds or a king-size with a pull out sofa bed. The Lodge also has luxurious suites designed for ultimate comfort and can include a Jacuzzi tub or steam sauna; each suite has 3 TVs, a pullout sofa, high speed internet, king-size pillow top beds and a granite bathroom with double headed showers.
Other accommodations include:
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1. Holiday Inn Express Phone: 403-504-5151 Fax: 403-504-0055 Toll Free: 1-877-504-5151 E-mail: sales.holidayinnexpress@telus.net www.hiexpress.com/medhat 2. Ramada Inn Phone: 403-526-5955 Fax: 403-526-3319 Toll Free: 1-877-526-3319 3. Comfort Inn & Suites: Phone: 403-504-1700 Fax: 403-527-1579 Toll Free: 1-800-4CHOICE www.choicehotels.ca/cn731 4. Best Western Inn Phone: 403-527-3700 Fax: 403-526-8689 Toll Free: 1-888-527-6633 E-mail: BestWest.MedHat@telusplanet.net www.bestwestern.com 5. Travelodge Hotel Phone: 403-527-2275 Fax 403-526-7842 Toll Free: 1-800-578-7878 www.Travelodge.com 6. Coast Hotel (formerly Howard Johnson) Phone: 403-526-7487 Fax: 403-529-2638 E-mail: cindicmh@telus.net 7. Callaghan Inn Phone: 403-527-8844 Toll Free: 1-800-661-4440 8. Imperial Inn Phone: 403-527-8811 Fax: 403-526-7039 Toll Free: 1-800-661-5322 9. Medicine Hat Inn Phone: 403-526-1313 Fax: 403-526-4189 Please Note: What ever your choice of accommodations, be sure to book early! |
In order to finalize our plans in Medicine Hat, the Planning Committee requests pre-registration for the 2007 Gather as soon as possible. The conference registration fee for the 2007 Will James Society Gather in Medicine Hat will be $45.00 (Canadian funds). Please click on the Registration link for additional information and a registration form. We will continue processing registrations until the beginning of October; thus eliminating much of the rush at the beginning of the Gather on October 11th.