Dale Evans-An Encounter with the Queen

Have you ever met royalty? I did. And it was a moment that will forever be frozen in my mind, one that I will tell my children, friends, and family about until the day I die. On February 5, 1999 I met Dale Evans, the Queen of the West. And it was a special moment. I had been anticipating this moment for almost a month now, ever since I learned that she was to be in Calgary for the Calgary Cowboy Festival. I had carefully contacted the Roy Rogers/Dale Evans Museum to get permission to talk to Dale for more than a few minutes, and I had contacted the Convention centre to arrange a time. After all of this, Friday afternoon was the time, my date with Dale. Early afternoon February 5, we arrived at the Marriot Hotel, checked in and ate lunch. We walked down to the Convention floor to check the interview time with Jill Sloan, the event co-ordinator. Gone, out of pager range. Up the stairs we went to take our children to the Calgary Tower. Then, it happened. Down the hall, Dale Evans rolled towards us. Seated in her wheelchair, and being pushed by an assistant she still beamed energy. Dressed in a red fringed Cowgirl skirt, and smiling she stopped. "Hello Ms Evans" I said. "Hello" she replied. I held my son (in my arms) down to her. "This is Curly Joe" I offered. She smiled. "He's cute" she said. "Yes he is." I answered proudly. "My name is Tim Lasiuta, I'm hoping to interview you a little later today." Isaid. "That's good" she said. "This is Cheryl?" I said looking at the woman pushing the wheelchair. "No, she's up there" Dale replied. Cheryl walked back to meet me. "I'm Tim Lasiuta." "Pleased to meet you. Mom and us are going for a bite to eat." And that was it, they wheeled Dale by to Dale's words. "What a cute baby" she said. A little while later, after a trip to the Calgary Tower, we found Jill Sloan. She was not going to be giving any more interviews, as she was tired. Disappointed, I walked away feeling blessed by my encounter with the Queen of the West. There is still tomorrow, she's signing books. One more chance to talk to her. I have to be there. Saturday, February 6 1999, McLeod A Foyer. I am amazed at the variety of people present. Dale, in a few moments is going to be presented with a White Stetson from the City of Calgary. There are young people (20 and up), middle aged

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