BONNYVILLE – The Métis Nation of Alberta hosted a Boxing Day Talent Show at the C2 Centre, where contestants were given the opportunity to perform in front of a crowd and panel of judges for cash prizes.
The house band of the evening, Rockin’ Fiddle, warmed up the stage before emcee Karen Collins and organizer Cassandra Collins made some opening remarks.
“This event has been a tradition in this community for [around 40 years]. We’ve been bringing the community together, enjoying each other's company and being entertained by musicians from all over,” said Karen.
Karen, who is also the St. Paul-Cold Lake Métis District Representative, explained the transition the Métis Nation has made, and their position as hosts of the talent show.
“Métis Nation of Alberta has moved into a new government system – we are now the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, and with that they have broken into districts. Our District is St. Paul-Cold Lake Métis District. We are District 12 and we are the hosts for this Boxing Day Talent Show,” said Karen.
Cassandra welcomed the crowd and said that growing up she always wanted the opportunity to organize the talent show, and this is now her second year doing so.
“I remember coming to this event as one of the Elizabeth Métis Settlement Junior Travellers, back when we had square dance groups competing . . . It was a great time. We would sit and visit. It was a full day of entertainment,” said Cassandra.
Cassandra spoke about the large effort it took to reignite the talent show, after a period of time where it did not happen. She acknowledged the volunteers and artists who help make the event possible.
“I’d like to personally thank the volunteers who are backing me up today and last year, as it was a great success. We had 327 people come out last year and as I see right now, we had to add another seven tables,” said Cassandra.
The turnout was so large, tables kept rolling in to accommodate the crowd.
The talent show featured a panel of three judges including Karen Dion, Felix Quinney, and Allen Boucher.
Boucher is a dancer who discovered he was good at dancing in 1982 when he attended a sobre dance and found out he had a knack for it. He has been teaching and enjoying all types of dance from jigging to foxtrot ever since – even after having his leg amputated.
“I still jig,” Boucher said proudly, patting his prosthetic leg.
When asked what makes him a good judge of music, Boucher replied, “You don’t become a good dancer without knowing music.”
Boucher also acknowledged the other judges, noting, “We have a fiddler, a guitarist, and a dancer – so it’s a nice mix of judges.”
Dion is a fiddler and has 20 years of judging experience. She expressed her excitement that the talent show was happening once again and looked forward to having a front row seat to enjoy the performers.
“It’s a great way for the community to come together, and for the performers to have a platform, and even make some money if they win,” said Dion.
Quinney plays guitar for the band Dusty Road Boys, and though this was his first time judging the talent show, it was not his first time attending, and he was very impressed with how it all came together.
“It’s the second year since it’s been brought back, and it is just so nice. They’ve really added a level of professionalism here,” said Quinney.
