Hank Snow Tribute still draws a crowd

“There are Hank Snow fans from across the country. We have them from Ireland and the United States,” says Donna Wamboldt, Society Administrator and Tribute Co-coordinator.

Last year alone brought more then 6,500 people through the gates during the four days of festivities.

The Tribute opens on Thursday, Aug. 14, when Hank’s old band, the Rainbow Ranch Boys take the stage with the other acts. A portion of the proceeds from Thursday will go towards Kid’s Help Phone, something that organizers feel is fitting.

“Hank was very involved with children’s charities,” says Wamboldt.

Bands from all over North America will take the stage this weekend. Bands like Nudie & the Turks come from P.E.I., while David Redford comes all the way from Arkansas.

There’s more then just music however.

Blain Henshaw is hosting an open mic on Friday afternoon and Joyce Seamone is hosting this year’s songwriter’s circle. Other events include a banjo/guitar workshop by Paul Moulaison on Saturday morning and a “Sounds like Hank Snow” Contest in the afternoon.

The whole Tribute will wrap up Sunday afternoon with a Grand Finale Jam with the Rainbow Ranch Boys.

Getting the Tribute organized does come with its challenges however.

“Usually it’s a year long process. This year due to staff changes we had just seven weeks to pull it together,” says Wamboldt. “But everything is coming together great.”