Drumheller’s very own rock star is using this summer to  prepare for her year. 

In 2014, Abby Fooks won the annual Drumheller’s Got Talent competition. Her first place winnings included $2,000 in recording studio time. 

Her life suddenly turned into a whirlwind of excitement when the public started to discover her music. 

In the past two years, Fooks has gained a great amount of music experience. 

“Being in the music industry has been really eye opening. I know it is really hard to get into and I feel so lucky to have accomplished what I have,” said Fooks.  

 Abby Fooks released her first full length album titled “My Kind of Fun” on Friday, November 20, 2015. 

The album features seven songs, three of which she had written on her own.  

“The title “My Kind of Fun” symbolizes what I really enjoy doing. I love writing and making music. It is what I find fun as opposed to what other kids my age find fun,” said Fooks.  “I was quite nervous when the album first released. I was nervous of people’s opinions. So far, the response has been great.”

Her first single, “Breakaway” was also featured on the reality television show Vanderpump Rules, on Monday, November  9, 2015

The show follows the life of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Lisa Vanderpump as she juggles running a business with her family life.

“Hearing my song on the show was so surreal. I could not believe that so many people were hearing it! My Shazam account boosted right after the show aired.”

Since then she has been charming radio listeners all over Alberta with visits to local radio stations to promote her music. 

Her tour stops included 104.9 Virgin Radio and Fresh 92.5 of Edmonton, 98.5 Virgin Radio and 90.3 Amp Radio of  Calgary and 101.1 The One of Brooks.

Fooks also made a stop at Drumheller’s own, 99.5 Drum FM. 

The singer is looking forward to summer and the opportunities  that she will be able to take once school is over.      

“What I really want to be doing more of right now is shows. I love performing. I won’t pass up any chance I get.”

She is excited about a couple of upcoming events in the works.

One to talk about is her own music video. The details are not to be released as it is still a work in progress. 

Fooks has also recently entered the Calgary Stampede Talent Search and is waiting to hear back. The Calgary Stampede Talent Search entries compete for over $10,000 in cash and scholarships and also perform during The Calgary Stampede.

“Right now, I have been busy with school,” says the Grade 11 student of DVSS, “I also have been writing quite a bit. I am looking forward to what the future brings.” 

Fooks hopes to pursue a career in music, but also is thinking about teaching as a back up. 

The moment where Fooks was surprised the most in her music promotion was when she was being interviewed by Virgin Radio. “They knew so much about me and my music, I couldn’t believe that they had heard of me. I also found out that my song was played in Montreal. That was amazing to know people so far away had  heard of my music.”

On Wednesday, May 18, Drumheller’s men traded in their sneakers, loafers and flip flops for a pair of elegant, red high heels.

The weather cooperated and brought a hot and sunny day for Drumheller’s biannual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser to stop sexual assault and gender violence.

The amount raised by the high heeled heros as of Wednesday, May 18, was $4,549.55 and the amount is still climbing.

The sound of heels scratching the side walk started at 11:30 am at the Drumheller Co-op. They then continued to catwalk all the way to Freson Bros.

Walking with borrowed enthusiasm, the men reached the finish line to where they were rewarded with cold drinks and hot dogs.
The greatest reward, was the money raised for the Big Country Anti Violence Association, which has been active in Drumheller for 15 years.

Kristi Donison, president of the Big Country Anti Violence Association expresses her passion for this event.
“This event allows men to take a stand for children, women and even other men who have been victims of violence. It is a wonderful fundraiser.”

Donison says that this year was the smallest group she had seen but that did not mean it was any less important. She is greatful for the turn out.

Brian Kosolofski, who made the long trek across town in sparkling red heels spoke with The Mail, “my feet were a little sore after but it was a good time. It was also a really great cause.”