It's been at Stampede Park for a decade, but the days of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame could be numbered.

It was founded by country music pioneer Gary Buck, but when he passed away five years ago, the management of the facility fell on his widow.

She and many others are wondering if there may be a better spot for the museum.

Among the displays at the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, one featuring pioneer Canadian artist Gary Buck. He had several hits in the 1960's and 70's, but he's just as well known for founding the hall of fame itself. When he died five years ago, his widow Deb Buck of Didsbury, was left to run it.

The Hall features clothing, posters, album covers and musical instruments from a number of Canadian country entertainers. Unfortunately the future of the facility, at least at Stampede Park, is in doubt.

That's because a separate organization owns the actual plaques that honour the Hall members, and may move them to another museum in Merritt, B.C. A lot of the other items are on loan.

Radio host Dustin Collins says if the Hall of Fame closes, it would be a great loss for the Stampede and the city. "It's very important because Calgary is the heart of the new west, but along with that they're really trying to encapsulate, really embrace the old west as well you know that western heritage and that's a big part of Calgary stampede as well as Calgary life throughout the year. Keeping the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame here is very, very important."

One of the problems with the hall is its location. It's perfect during the 10 day Stampede when thousands of fans stop by, but for the rest of the year its closed. Some visitors wonder if moving it might be the best solution.

Shaunene Bishop says, "It's got to be where a lot of people can see and a lot of people can visit it, which here on the grounds, except for Stampede week there isn't. You come down for the hockey game, you go directly to the hockey game. You don't usually come down and do these things."

Deb Buck agrees the Hall might attract more visitors elsewhere, and if it moves from Stampede Park, she hopes it stays in Calgary. "I really think something good is going to happen. So you just have to go with that you know and I really do. I honestly believe that it's going to be okay.

That would be music to the ears of many.


Tuesday, July 8, 2008