Fifth Annual Best Of The West Awards

(For the Calendar Year 2005...)

Howdy! As usual, it was difficult to pick 'favorites' from the 60 plus fairs and events we did around the country this past year. We have had so many great experiences and built countless friendships with the folks we work for and with. So...it's hard to pick out those we feel went above and beyond the call of duty. But we did!

 Let me guess...now you're asking 'Curly, what have they have won?' Well, here's the thing...they get nothing, except our gratitude and the knowledge that they are appreciated. What more could they want?...Ken McMeans, December 6, 2005

Calgary Stampede,

 Calgary, Alberta, Canada

The Calgary Stampede is hands down the best event we've ever performed at, or even been too, for that matter. It's truly 'The Greatest Outdoor Event In The World' and we are proud as heck to be booked back for 2006, at what I like to call 'Disneyland for Cowboys'.

Paul Tibaldo

 President

Galveston County Fair & Rodeo, Hitchcock, TX

Paul, his wife Claudia, and  family treated us like royalty in our first trip to Hitchcock, Texas. They fed us so much, I gained 20 pounds in 10 days. And Paul took us to our first crawdad fry and to a couple of pretty good barbeque cook-out private shindigs as well. He even did about an hour on one of the horses, as did his young son Joseph as well. We can't wait to get back, I've been dieting to get ready for April 2006...

Lori Marshall

Fair Manager

 Contra Costa County Fair, Antioch, CA

Lori was  absolutely without question a runaway pick for Fair Manager in 2005. And it was her first official year at the helm. She put together more than a few new ideas to generate attendance and they worked so well the local police department was perturbed  with her for causing traffic jams in the surrounding areas due to the astronomical number of guests coming to the fair. We consider her not just an excellent Fair Manager but a good friend as well and we can wait to see what she comes up with for 2006!

Best Dressing Room Award (Category Added By Request):

 Contra Costa Crafte Fair...(Becky)

"It was large enough to drive my car in and spin donuts!"

Benton-Franklin County Fair & Rodeo, Kennewick, WA

Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo, Waco, TX

National Orange Show, San Bernardino, CA

Calgary Stampede, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo, Waco, TX

Jerry Jeff Walker, Heart O Texas Fair & Rodeo, Waco, TX

Terri Clark, Siskiyou Golden Fair, Yreka, CA

Canterwood Cabins

Kenai Peninsula State Fair

 Ninilchik, Alaska

Galveston County Fair & Rodeo, Crawfish Fry at the BBQ Cook-Off

Kenai Peninsula State Fair, Ninilchik, Alaska

Galveston County Fair & Rodeo, Hitchcock, TX

Calgary Stampede, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Western Washington Fair, Puyallup, WA

Being onstage with Jerry Jeff Walker at the Heart O'Texas Fair & Rodeo

Halibut Fishing off the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska

Watching the Chuckwagon Races at the Calgary Stampede

Western Washington Fair- 6 years

Sacramento County Fair- 5 years

Antelope Valley Fair- 5 years

Contra Costa County Fair- 5 years

Santa Barbara County Fair- 5 years

Kern County Fair- 5 years

Los Angeles County Fair- 5 years

Fresno Fair- 5 years

Oregon State Fair- 4 years

Siskiyou Golden Fair- 4 years

El Dorado County Fair- 4 years

Santa Cruz County Fair- 4 years

Alameda County Fair- 5 years

Western Idaho Fair- 4 years

Ventura County Fair-4 years

National Orange Show- 4 years

Lake Forest Autumn Harvest- 4 years

Puyallup Spring Fair- 4 years

Award:

Jim Abendschan

Debbie Galle

 El Paso County Fair, Calhan, CO

(Thank you for the three great years that you brought us to the El Paso County Fair. We will always remember how well you treated us and  treasure your friendship. The fair will never be the same without the both of you. We're gonna miss you guys...)

2003...

2004...

2005