17th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

School kids are enjoying the event along with the adults and I'll be writing about some kids who attended from as far away as Oregon and Texas. Local homeboy, Waddie Mitchell took his digs at environmentalists during his keynote address. Wacky wordsmith Paul Zarzyski had audiences cracking up at his zany and wordy poetry. Former Secretary of the Interior Stuart L. Udall speaks to a full to capacity room about poetry, government involvement, the current energy crisis in California and more.

Quick Tips:

Though the Gathering is winding down now, one can still experience the real west in Elko. If you're ever traveling across Nevada on I-80, stop in and stay for a spell. Visit the Western Folklife Center for a taste of what the Cowboy Poetry Gathering is all about. You'll appreciate the western hospitality that Elko offers.

Best Way To Get Around:

There are taxis but not much in the way of public transportation. Once downtown everything is within walking distance. Having your own car is the best way to see everything Elko has to offer.

Junior Daugherty was raised in the mountains of New Mexico and is at home playing his fiddle for Thailand's royalty or around a campfire. His music is charming and he loves playing waltzes. I really enjoy his down-home charm. If he's every in your neighborhood, make sure you go see him.

During the 17th National Cowboy Festival the museum featured several special exhibits. In the Halleck Bar Gallery was "Ranching Families of the Great Basin," an exhibition of photos and artifacts of family ranching life. The exhibit will be featured until June, 2001. It covers all aspects of ranching life, from work to play. Displays include historical photos of early ranching outfits as well as images of modern ranching essentials.

In the Museum Gallery is "Honest Horses: A Portrait of the Mustang in Nevada's Great Basin." The exhibit features 30 hand painted black-and-white photographs of mustangs on the range taken by Paula Morin. Include are excerpts of conversations with folks whole lives have been entwined with wild horses. Folklorist Andrea Graham has compiles some stories, songs and poems expressing wild horse tradition.

Want a taste of the Cowboy Poetry Gathering this summer? As a part of Western Heritage Days, a six-week long, Elko-wide program, the Western Folklife Center hosts four concerts featuring some of the finest western musicians and songwriters. The 2001 dates are:
July 20
July 27
August 10
August 17
For information contact the Western Folklife Center, 501 Railroad St., Elko, NV 89801, 775-738-7501 or vist their website: www.westernfolklife.org

Do you know there is a distinct difference between country and western music? I didn't until I attended my first Cowboy Poetry Gathering last year.

I'm not a fan of the seemingly popular twangy, poor, poor, poor me, pour me a drink country music. (The type turned out in the Nashville of today.)

Western music seems to follow the traditions of the true west and has its roots in the early turn-of-the-century.

Today's western singers croon songs more along the lines of the beauty found in nature, the cowboy life, etc.

It is a real treat, even for those, like me who can't handle country music!

In the 106th Congress/ 2nd Session, the Senate Resolution 326 designated the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada at the "National Cowboy Poetry Gathering."

On June 22, 2000, Mr. Bryan submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee in Energy and Natural Resources.

On October 5, 2000 the Committee discharged; considered and agreed to the resolution.

Whereas working cowboys and the ranching community have contributed greatly to the establishment and perpetuation of western life in the United States;

Whereas the practice of composing verses about life and work on the range dates back to at least the trail drive era of the late 19th century;

Whereas the Cowboy Poetry Gathering has revived and continues to preserve the art of cowboy poetry by increasing awareness and appreciation of this tradition-based art form:

Whereas the reemergence of cowboy poetry both highlights recitation traditions that are a central form of artistry in communities throughout the West and promotes popular poetry and literature to the general public;

Whereas the Cowboy Poetry Gathering serves as a bridge between urban and rural people by creating a forum for the presentation of art and for the discussion of cultural issues in a humane and non-political manner;

Whereas the Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nevada, established and hosted the inaugural Cowboy Poetry Gathering in January of 1985;

Whereas since its inception 16 years ago, some 200 similar local spin-off events are now held in communities in the West; and

Whereas it is proper and desirable to recognize Elko, Nevada, as the original home of the Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Senate designates the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, as the "National Cowboy Poetry Gathering."

[Salute!!]

Each year there is a Silent Auction at the auction with incredible items up for bid. This year was no exception. There was handcrafted cowboy gear, paintings and sculpture, handmade jewelry, travel packages, Cowboy collectibles, furniture, books, travel packages, and a whole lot more.

All the money raised benefits the Western Folklife Center and its programs.