Submitted Story:

The Sons of the Pioneers rode in to the town of Swan River this afternoon leaving behind a clean tire trail on the snow covered mountain highway. We had all travelled north, leaving from Brandon after an early breakfast this morning!

Pictures by Lana Graham | Click any picture for a larger version.

We passed through an April spring storm and snow covered terrain on Highway 10, through Riding Mountain National Park. Driving from Brandon to Swan River in these conditions was a five hour drive. How long can a winter’s mountain drive in Canada be with three Texans and two men from Missouri and one from Nashville, Tennessee? Pretty long!

The Swan River Veterans Community Hall had a welcoming committee of around sixty-five western enthusiasts for our show! We were delighted to give a full concert to the crowd and meet the wonderful people of Swan River! It was a great crowd for such a quiet and chilly winter’s afternoon !

All the old favourites were played, including Cool Water, and Tumbling Tumbleweeds, and a favourite of mine… Little Joe the Wrangler! The audience response was enthusiastic!

The Burghart family and a local music teacher named Glen were introduced to the band after the show by our facilitator, hostess, and talented friend, Lana Graham! Glen requested the band play “Our Best to You” written by the late Bob Nolan, and Ken Lattimore did a beautiful rendition of that song! Thank you Ken! Tears!

There were many songs played over the two hour concert… Perhaps 25 songs altogether, including some fiddle solos by Justin Branum. Red Wing and the Orange Blossom Special and Sweet Georgia Brown! What talent he has!

Thank you beautiful Swan River! It was an honour to be here and an honour to entertain you! We certainly hope that we will be invited back someday soon!

Margaret Morrissette
Canadian Producer
Old Rivers Western Productions Ltd.