Jason Cook (ABC)
Held at Smeaton’s old airstrip, Country for Kids will be hosted by country music hall of fame member Ralph Emery and feature performances by Julian Austin, Bobby Curtola, Cathy-Anne McClintock, Curtis and Marty Grambo, Deborah Lauren, Codie Prevost, Lorrie Church and Little Miss Higgins.
Cook became involved via Canadian country singer Blake Emmons, who was attached to this event early on. As Jason stated in a press release, he wanted to participate because the rural school reminded him of his own school and community growing up. He added that he wanted to show support to the parents and children who have supported shows such as General Hospital and Days of Our Lives.
The Smeaton Independent School consists of just two accredited teachers and roughly 27 students ranging from 1st – 8th grade. The school itself is located in three rooms of the town’s recreation center and, as it receives no government funding, volunteers have been relied on to hold rummage sales and clean ditches for the Department of Highways in order to raise money.
The deadline for early bird tickets is Wednesday at $75 for adults and $60 for 12 to 18 year olds. After Wednesday, tickets can be purchased at the gate for $100 and $75. Kids 11 and under are free.
Tickets are available at Smeaton Co-op, Prince Albert Co-op Grocery, Kleen Bee Prince Albert, Flowers 'n' Things, Step by Step in Nipawin, or by calling 1-888-588-5439.
