Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
It will be the last show for longtime children’s TV star Ron (Buck Shot) Barge as a memorial is held Friday in Calgary.
For 30 years, Buck Shot and his sidekick Benny the Bear entertained Calgarians with songs, puppets, the birthday book and his battered cowboy hat.
Barge died at home last month just 10 days short of his 88th birthday.
The memorial will be laid at noon at Center Street Church.
“It’s like the last show. That’s why we did it at noon,” said his son Ken.
“It’s noon because that’s when ‘The Buck Shot Show’ would start … 12 o’clock every day,” added his daughter Brenda.
“We’re looking forward to it. It’s going to be nice to have the memorial because dad would love it.”
Brenda Barge and Ken Barge talk about the life of their father, Ron Barge, creator of the Buck Shot children’s show in Calgary on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
Todd Korol / Canadian Press
“Buck Shot” was one of the longest-running children’s shows in Canada, surpassing “Mr. Dressup,” which ran for 29 years, and “The Friendly Giant,” which aired for 27.
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Barge was asked to develop the show when he was a cameraman and floor director with CFCN in Calgary. He had a knack for interviewing children in the audience and getting real reactions.
The show ran from 1967 to 1997, but Barge continued in his role making special appearances at events.
“It’s only for people who want to celebrate it. We’ve had so many beautiful things said online,” said Brenda Barge.
“It’s been such a revival of who my dad was because it’s been many years since he was Buck Shot.”
A musician most of his life, Barge played in bands from the time he was 16. He played piano and sang with the Stardells for more than 20 years in Calgary.
His family said he loved the show and the character he created. Since the show was made live, it resulted in a number of rehearsals being played by people working on it.
“The birthday book was the main target and the hired hands would put in either a bad joke or a bad picture or something that wasn’t appropriate for children’s television and my dad would have to keep a straight face while he was holding that stupid book,” said Ken.
& copy 2024 The Canadian Press
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
source link https://globalnews.ca/news/10765971/calgary-childrens-entertainer-buck-shot-memorial/
