The Holden Agricultural Society invited Perogies and Jam to provide the music at the Holden Arena for their Cattle Days event. The event was well attended with over 150 cattle raisers and local residents. Emphasis was on the judging of young competitors. Everyone enjoyed the BBQ beef on a bun, salads and dessert.

Starting off at 5:30 pm, Don Harfield performed a few songs including Alberta, Summer Time, and the Last Saskatchewan Pirate, and The Cat Came Back.

The Off Ramp Boys (alternatively known as ORB), consisting of Randy Kereliuk (vocals, guitar), Ralph Lange (fiddle, upright bass, mandolin, vocals), Gordon Forbes (lead guitar, vocals) and Rob Hughes (drums) performed a 1 ½ hour set to a very appreciative audience. Their set included, many favourites including Randy Travis tunes Forever and Ever and Three Wooden Crosses and the Darrell Scott song Long Time Gone. These were followed by Bury Me Beneath the Willow, San Antonia Rose and the Pan Handle Rag. Also included were the Hockey Song for the Hockey fans in the crowd and I’ll Fly Away/Will the Circle Be Unbroken for the bluegrass fans.

Local resident, Roger Harrison helped round off the evening by performing songs including I Hang my Head, Take it Easy, Wild Horses, Romance Flats and Two Days in February.

Much needed rain started to fall during the evening and continued as the musicians loaded up their gear and sound equipment. Everyone is grateful for the moisture as this has been a very dry spring.

Special thanks go to the Holden Agricultural Society for inviting Perogies and Jam musicians to join them in this first time evening event. Mayor Don Thompson was on hand to welcome the cattle participants, especially the young competitors and make announcements. Thanks go to Ernie Whiteside for organizing the event and the many hands in the kitchen preparing and serving the great food. Good job everyone!

Photography by Don Harfield