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Barney Bentall show to benefit Friends of Children
Last year marked the final shows with the Barney Bentall & The Grand Cariboo Opry moniker, but the one-of-a-kind variety/fundraising show is back with a brand new name for the 2015 tour!
Now called Barney Bentall & The Cariboo Express, they will continue the legacy this November with shows throughout Alberta and B.C., including Cranbrook on Nov. 9 at Key City Theatre.
The regular cast including Barney Bentall, Ridley Bent, Dustin Bentall, Wendy Bird, Matt Masters, and the Gold Rush Allstars along with a few new and special guests will celebrate the tenth year of the show’s incarnation, which grew from one event into the western Canadian tour it is now, benefitting local charities at each wagon stop along the trail.
Barney Bentall & The Cariboo Express have raised over $500,000 over all shows since the beginning; $140,000 of that raised during the 2014 tour alone. The shows have benefited local charities from Vancouver Island to Winnipeg, including the Potluck Café Society, the Good Food Club, Habitat for Humanity, Bragg Creek Community Centre, Inner City Children’s Program and the Mustard Seed, Sidney Lions and Sooke Food Banks.
The Cranbrook show, presented by Jess Niedermayer, Sacha Bentall, Laura Cain and Shelby Knudsen will benefit Friends of Children.
The name change comes courtesy of perpetuating good news; the legendary Grand Ole Opry caught wind of the Canadian charity tour in 2014 and while they assured the group they were flattered, they respectfully requested the Grand Cariboo Opry change it’s name. The Cariboo Express was born through Bentall’s love for the Cariboo region, the honorary birthplace of the show.
Barney came across the history of F.J. Barnard, and The B.X. Express, the main cartage and passenger services company on the Cariboo Road, also known as “Barnard’s Express.” In homage to the area and it’s history, Mr. Barnard Bentall saw fit to rename his traveling roadshow, The Cariboo Express.
The Cariboo Express has become a sought-after event across Western Canada, that makes a significant impact on each community it touches with both its unique fundraising model and highly engaging show. What better way to spend a November night than a show that’s not just an incredibly enjoyable favourite for all ages, but one that makes a difference in the community too.
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