The 19th annual Cowgirl Cattle Company rendezvous will take place in High River this year on May 12, but the annual western women’s event continues to celebrate its Cochrane roots.
“We just think it’s really important to honour our roots – we feed people and people don’t always appreciate the agriculture industry so much,” said Jill Richards, matron of Cochrane’s Devil’s Head Ranch.
Two decades ago, Jill and twin sister Judy MacKenzie kicked off what would become an annual event by purchasing a fiberglass cow and getting the other attending rendezvous ladies to place their brands on their bovine “Brandy.”
Judy is also the wife of late artist Malcolm James ‘Mac’ MacKenzie, who was the artist behind the Men of Vision bronze statue atop of the Cochrane Ranche hill.
Both women come steeped in rodeo and ranching history – as do the other women, roughly 150 or so, who take part in the annual get together.
These early beginnings continue to be brought up by the founders of the triple C – where leftover proceeds from the event go back into the hosting southern Alberta community each year.
Various Cochrane and area community groups have benefitted from the annual libations of the land-loving women.
With a mission to “promote Western values and heritage,” the “like-minded women share a background in the agricultural industry – mainly ranching and rodeo.”
This year the event will be held at the Memorial Center in High River. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with an ongoing silent auction, followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and entertainment provided by The Wardens.
Tickets are $50/person or $400/table of eight. Contact organizer Eran Machan at 403-478-4776 or [email protected].
