National historic site’s gates open for 20th season!
May 25, 2015 – Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, Alberta – Parks Canada
John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Macleod, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today invited Canadians to join Parks Canada at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site as they begin their exciting 20th season.
Come out and explore the historic ranch from the comfort of a Percheron drawn wagon or step down and watch the ranch day unfold in and out of the historic buildings. Special guests for 2015 include participants in the Canadian Cowboy Challenge (a timed obstacle course done at speed) June 27th and 28th as well as participants in the Canadian Border Collie Association annual Championship Sheep Dog Trial August 27th to 30th.
The roster of special events this year includes the Bar U Chuckwagon Cook-Off. Come meet the next generation of round-up camp cooks on Sunday, June 7th. Sample the competitors' version of beef stew and biscuits, cooked over an open camp fire. While the stew bubbles, settle back with a cup of cowboy coffee and enjoy some cowboy tales.
On July 1st, come celebrate Canada’s 148th birthday with cake, flag raising and some old fashioned country celebration.
On July 18th the Bar U Ranch celebrates Parks Day and is proud to welcome back the Strathcona Mounted Troop for a display of equine precision and breathtaking cavalry drills.
Don’t miss the highlight of the summer on July 30th, the 20th Anniversary of Bar U Ranch’s First Opening Day. Parks Canada will be serving up cake, fun and other festivities. Stop by and help “round up” some new memories for the next 20 years!
The season will round out with the pleasant Friends of the Bar U Trail Ride, the thrilling Old Time Ranch Rodeo which adds a Ranch Horse Competition this year and our fall Chore Horse Competition.
Look for Parks Canada’s red chairs at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site. The red chairs give us an opportunity to stop and connect with nature and history in Canada’s most treasured places. There are not many better places to do so than in the incredible surrounding that Parks Canada has to offer.
Mike McLean
Site Manager
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
403-395-2163
Janice Smith
Media Relations
Parks Canada
403-859-5127
Jonathan Lefebvre
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Visitors enjoy the horses.
