Cowboy Culture, Presidential Politics Meet at Autry Center
One really was a working cowboy, another enjoyed riding horses and clearing brush at his California ranch, while others wrapped themselves in the image of the heroic American cowboy. Who are they? Presidents of the United States of America.From Theodore Roosevelt to George W. Bush, presidents have used the image of the cowboy to define themselves and their administrations to the nation and the world.In this election year, the Autry National Center in Los Angeles explores the fascinating and ongoing intersection of cowboy culture and presidential politics in “Cowboys and Presidents,” an exhibit which opened April 11 and runs through Sept. 7.
President Ronald Reagan at his Southern California ranch.
Nebraska:
NEBRAKSAland DAYS Reflects State's Wild West Heritage
The NEBRASKAland DAYS celebration includes the Buffalo Bill Rodeo.
NEBRASKAland DAYS, held each year in North Platte, includes just about everything from country music stars to top professional rodeo.Beginning June 9 and spanning through June 23, the 42nd annual NEBRASKAland DAYS celebration will feature more than 80 different events focusing on family entertainment. This year’s festivities featured the 125th anniversary of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The four-night rodeo program is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo Packs In Just About Everything
Cheyenne Frontier Days promises plenty of bucking broncs, the Wyoming state symbol.
This year’s 10-day Cheyenne Frontier Days festival takes place July 20-29, and offers everything from nine PRCA rodeos, parades, top name international entertainment, one of the best Western art shows anywhere, a Native American Indian Village, a chuckwagon cook-off, free pancake breakfasts, a carnival, to a special aerial demonstration by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
News Update: 40th Annual C.M. Russell Auction Reaches All New Records
The 40th Annual C.M. Russell Auction eclipsed last year’s record $2.4 million weekend with an unofficial auction total of just under $3 million.Highlights of the 2008 event, which took place March 12-15 at Great Falls, Mont., included a single-night auction record of $2,052,750 on Saturday, smashing last year’s $1.46 million record. Andy Thomas, who had earlier in the week received the Jurors’ Best of Show award for his oil painting entitled “Charlie Russell and His Characters,” (shown on the left) sold his piece for $180,000, which is the highest price ever paid for a piece of art at the auction by any artist other than Russell.
Trevor Brazile: First Wrangler NFR Triple Crown Winner Since 1983
Trevor Brazile is all smiles at having become the first Wrangler NFR Triple Crown winner since 1983. Photo courtesy of PRCA ProRodeo/Mike Copman
He came, he roped, he conquered. Trevor Brazile, who arguably entered the 49th annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 6-15, with the most pressure on him of any contestant, hung on to win the tie-down roping world title in Round 10 and complete the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s first Triple Crown since Roy Cooper in 1983.
New Truths About Deadwood's 1800s Chinese Community Revealed
The Fee Lee Wong family. Copyright photo courtesy Adams Museum
The truth about Deadwood’s Chinese community during the late 1800s will be revealed in a new exhibition called “Digging Deadwood: Understanding Chinatown” starting Sept. 13 at 5:15 p.m. at The Adams Museum in Deadwood, South Dakota. The extended exhibit that will run into next year tells the story of Deadwood’s early Chinese community through the lens of the 2001–2003 archaeological excavations conducted on the city’s lower Main Street, the historic site of the city’s Chinatown.
Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering Offers Plenty of Fun
Jammin' at the Cowboy Gathering
The 4th annual Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering in Encampment, Wyoming may seem small in comparison to such big Western festivals as the Cheyenne Frontier Days, but there's nothing small about the town's enthusiasm for their celebration.
Fans of the American West, do yourself a favor: travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico this month and experience one of North America’s greatest celebrations of life and Native American culture, the 24th annual Gathering of Nations Powwow.
Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival Returns With Plenty Of Old West Fun
Photo courtesy Cowboy Festival
If enjoying the Old West is your cup of camp coffee, then plan to attend the 15th annual City of Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival April 23-27 for some real family fun set in the heart of Southern California's cowboy country. Much of the festival will take place at the Melody Ranch motion picture studio.
Shootists Heading for Yuma's 10th Annual Gathering of the Gunfighters
There'll be plenty of action at the Yuma Gathering of the Gunfighters. Arizona State Parks photo
It’s High Noon and showdown time once again in Yuma, Arizona as Old West re-enactment groups get ready to perform at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park’s 10th Annual Gathering of the Gunfighters on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Old West re-enactment groups the Southwest Ghostriders, Arizona Ghostriders, Pistols & Petticoats and the WesTroupe will act out skits set in the time periods from 1876 to 1909 for coveted prizes sought for more than nine years of competition.
State Parks Offering Visitors a Trio of Christmas Celebrations
Visitors to the Riordan Mansion in Flagstaff will experience a Victorian Christmas. Arizona State Parks photo
A Victorian Christmas celebration, the annual lighting of the Luminarias, and a look at turn-of-the-century holiday décor on the frontier are just some of the Christmas festivities being offered in December by the Arizona State Parks.The biggest of the Christmas festivals will be on Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff where visitors will enjoy a Riordan Christmas Tradition.
