HomeMy WebLinkAbout30th Annual Huron Pioneer Thresher & Hobby Association 1991 Reunion, 1991-09-04, Page 16PAGE A-16. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991.
= Piuron (Pioneer ^Thresher Reunion '91
Bam Dance helps Threshers celebrate anniversary
Musicians liven things up during a performance on the
CKNX Saturday Night Barn Dance. Pictured in this
photograph, which was taken in the early 1950's, are, from
left: Wee Bobby Clarke, on drums, Archie Mann on violin,
Ernie King, on guitar, Don Robertson on bass, Reg Bitton
on accordian, Ross Mann on violin, Jack Kingston on bass
and Morris Baulieux on guitar.
Kicking off the 30th anniversary of the
Huron County Pioneer Thresher Reunion
in high-stepping, toe-tapping style is the
CKNX Bam Dance on Wednesday night.
Together they are celebrating a legendary
past with stars from the original Barn
Dance and local up and coming talent.
Historically, the Bam Dance's roots date
back to 1937, when CKNX Radio founder
Doc Cruikshank developed the idea of
taking local country and western
musicians and giving them a live platform,
via his program. Every Saturday night, the
Barn Dance would travel far and wide
through southwestern Ontario, playing
live in arenas or theatres, wherever they
could find an audience.
Over the years the Barn Dance's
reputation flourished and many notable
musicians became part of it, including Al
Cherny, Tommy Hunter and Larry
Mercey. In fact, of the 25 artists inducted
into the Canadian Country Music Hall of
Fame in November of 1989, seven had
performed with the CKNX Bam Dance.
When Doc built the television station, he
brought all the talent together for live TV
and names like Earl Heywood, Don
Robertson and the Ranch Boys and the
Golden Prairie Cowboys became
household names.
Eventually, rising production costs and
the fickle nature of the television audience
brought an end to the Saturday Night Bam
Dance. With many of its performers
remaining active in die industry, however,
and promising new talent always on the
horizon, CKNX was able to revive the
Bam Dance in the eighties.
Now in Blyth, visitors to the Thresher
Continued on page A-17
Welcome To
30111
Anniversary
September 6, 7, 8, 1991
FRIDAY - 9 a.m. - Senior Citizens & Handicapped Day
- Admission for Senior Citizens & Handicapped
$2.00 (Friday)
SATURDAY - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. SUNDAY - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ADMISSION: $4 per person
$1 children 12 and under
Free - children 12 and under
accompanied by an adult
Clinton Community
Credit Union
wishes the Huron Pioneer Thresher and
Hobby Association great success on your 30th
annual Reunion in Blyth
We look forward to serving you in our
new offices in the very near future.
374 Main St. S.
Exeter
235-0640
70 Ontario St.
Clinton
482-3467
Proud to be working with the people of Blyth and area since 1952