Caney resident Dennis Ernest will find take his Kansas cowboy boots, dusty cowboy hat and a passion for country gospel music to California in January.

Ernest will be among the performers at the International Cowboy Ministers Conference in San Diego, Calif., on Jan. 7-11, 2009. The event is organized by Coy Huffman, founder of the Cowboy Church International and Pro Rodeo Ministries.

Ernest will be among the many performers to present country gospel and cowboy gospel music to the conferences attendees.

“It will be an honor for me to share this ministry with others,” said Ernest, when asked about his performance at the national conference.

Ernest has dabbled in country music in the area for many years, and he is also known for his fun-paced delivery as the announcer at the annual Caney Christmas Parade.

When asked if he will let the California sunshine and beaches ruin his Kansas cowboy ways, Ernest said, laughingly, “I don’t think so . . . but then again I might return to Kansas as a cowboy surfer dude.”

Ernest is currently raising funds to offset his trip to San Diego. Members of the Wanna Be A Cowboy (WBC) Ministry Church in Caney, 221 W. Fourth, are gathering donations for the trip. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to WBC Music Ministry, PO Box 182, Caney, KS 67333. Or, donors can call Ernest at (620) 879-5753 or (918) 214-6797.