So you want to be a cowboy? I arrived in Lubbock on September 10th to attend the 16th Annual National Cowboy Symposium and Celebration. I had read about it somewhere and the first line of the description said, "So you want to be a Cowboy?" I answered, "Yes" to myself and knew I had to attend.
The gathering includes all kinds of cowboys including Cowboy Musicians, Cowboy Poets, and Cowboy Storytellers. They perform at the Lubbock Civic Center, and there is constant entertainment wherever you are. Most of these cowboys are older, the festival drawing a crowd of older folks all dolled up with their neatly pressed western wear. Inside the Civic Center are booths filled with exhibitors including artists and authors. You can find lots of western artwork, jewelry, clothing, home décor and furniture, and, of course, cowboy boots. The exhibitors continue outside where you can find equipment for your horse, including saddles, leather goods, bits, spurs, and rope. The kids could make their own rope with the help of one of the vendors. The organizers say, "It is the largest array of western items of all kinds to be found anywhere in one place."
Throughout the day they have many special events. They had a West Texas Native American Association Mini-Powwow and a Parade of the Horse. Everyone was excited about the National Championship Chuckwagon Cook-off, including myself. Unfortunately, they were sold out that day and I was too late. (Buy them Friday for the Saturday event.) There were dozens of ranches participating in this event. It was fun to see how they all operate without the modern conveniences. I settled for the BBQ Brisket meal with beans and iced tea.
Texan Craig Cameron puts on a Horse Training Seminar and Demonstration. He is like a "horse whisperer" and believes that true horsemanship is about communicating. He starts out with an unknown horse that has never been saddled or ridden — essentially it needs to be "broken." For as long as it takes (one was 45 minutes, one was about 80 minutes), he works with this wild horse and takes the fear out of him. He uses certain techniques to eventually calm the horse, gets the horse to trust him, and allows him to saddle and ride the horse. The techniques are repeated in all three of his demonstrations, so even a novice might have some clue as to where to start. It is quite extraordinary to watch this transformation, especially since it was done in such a kind, humane way with the horse’s best interests in mind.
The event is great for the whole family. A one-day ticket is $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids. Meals are $5 to $7, with the Chuckwagon being $10. There are additional costs for the evening musical, poetry and storytelling performances, and the rodeo. Check out www.cowboy.com for event dates.