Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada

Special Days and Events for 2008

All Special Events Begin at 1:00 pm and are subject to cancellation and/or rescheduling depending on weather conditions. Call 1-403-395-3044 for information.

Sunday, May 25
Opening Day
Bar U Cookhouse Grand Opening

Originally a log building, the Bar U cookhouse was first erected in 1882. It burned to the ground in 1910 and was quickly rebuilt as a frame structure. Join us for a long awaited 'reopening' of this newly restored building, where hungry cowboys gathered for meals and socializing. History in the remaking.

Sunday June 8
Ranch Horse Competition

A showcase of work skills shared between rider and horse. See cowboys from neighbouring ranches compete in a series of cattle manoeuvres and reigning patterns, including spins, large and small circles, lead changes and backups. True harmony between rider and mount.

Tuesday, July 1
Canada Day
Tribute to the Percheron Horse

Free admission! Displays, activities, an official flag raising ceremony, and a special tribute to the gentle giants of ranching, the Percheron horse. Did you know that a hundred years ago the Bar U was renowned for having the largest herd of Percherons the world? Honour your country and ranching history.

Sunday, July 13
Roundup of Memories
Cowboy Poetry, Music and Storytelling

A crackling campfire, cowboy coffee, the Bar U chuckwagon at Pekisko Creek. Welcome to Roundup Camp for an afternoon of cowboy poetry, music and storytelling, as local ranchers, writers, poets, historians and musicians honour a way of life. Western entertainment at its best.

Sunday, July 27
Polo at the Bar U Ranch

The sport of kings has been played at the Bar U for over century. Come and experience the stuff of legends as cowboys and traditional players compete in a thrilling series of 'chukkers' on the Bar U's original polo field. You won't want to miss this. Absolutely unique.

Sunday, August 3
John Ware Day

An afternoon of storytelling at Roundup Camp featuring the life of Alberta's legendary black cowboy, John Ware. An American who began his life as a South Carolina slave, Ware rose to fame as an expert Bar U cattleman and rider when hiring on to help drive a starter herd of shorthorns up from Idaho. From slavery to respect – a black cowboy's journey.

Saturday, August 9
Friends of the Bar U Trail Ride

Support the Friends of the Bar U Historic Ranch Association in their annual day ride into original Bar U grazing lands. On your own horse, or by wagon. Take your breath away scenery. 403.395.3330 or 403.395.3879 for information.

Sunday, August 17
Old Time Ranch Rodeo

Traditional ranching skills dating back to the early days, when cattle ranged by the thousands and men on horseback rode herd. Join us for an exciting afternoon of Broke Horse Racing, Team Sorting, Branding and Doctoring, and Wild Cow Milking, as teams of working cowboys from Alberta's ranches compete for silver Bar U belt buckles, and bragging rights! Our most popular Sunday of the season.

Sunday, August 31
First Nations Day

We commemorate the contributions of Aboriginal people to ranching life, through two World Wars when manpower was scarce and natives took part in traditional cowboy roles. Stony Nakoda elders, drummers, artists and speakers gather at Roundup Camp to tell the stories of their forebears. From buffalo hunters to cowpunchers.

Sunday, September 7
Chore Horse Competition

A glimpse back in time to when horsepower meant exactly that. When teams of draft horses pulled mowers, rakes, hay wagons and ploughs breaking the earth. Watch teamsters guide their teams through a timed course of skill-testing manoeuvres. A great family event.