Cowboys Ain't Dead Yet
Have you ever seen a real cowboy recite cowboy poetry? It isn't a pretty sight but it can be hilarious. Or how about a genuine rodeo? Have you ever seen the dirt fly as cowgirls on horseback compete in a barrel race?
The Cowboys Ain't Dead Yet Festival, which will be held in Panguitch, in southern Utah, April 24-29, gives visitors the chance to get thoroughly immersed in traditional cowboy culture. This year's event features humorist Baxter Black and world-famous horse trainer Van Hargis; it will include cowboy poetry, Dutch oven dinners, horse clinics, team roping and team sorting and lots of other entertaining and educational events. It will be held in conjunction with a National Senior Pro Rodeo.
There will be plenty to see and do. Come watch, if that's what you want, or jump in and get some dirt on your boots as you actually participate in cowboy activities. For more information call 435-676-8949.
Outlaw Country
Panguitch is cowboy country. It is also outlaw country. Butch Cassidy was born nearby. He grew up chasing cows around southern Utah, and returned to those familiar canyons when he needed to hide from the law. Local guides will take visitors on horseback trail rides along those same trails, including one that goes to a remote cabin that was one of Butch's hideouts.
Mountain Man
Another Western event, the Old Ephraim Mountain Man Rendezvous, will be May 25 in Blacksmith Fork Canyon near Hyrum, in northern Utah. It is one of the largest gatherings of mountain men in the West and is held near a Nineteenth Century trappers' rendezvous site. The event re-creates the food, traders' show and contests of the early 1800s rendezvous.
Many participants will come dressed as mountain men, in buckskin or other traditional garb, with all the associated paraphernalia. There will be black powder rifle shooting, tomahawk throwing, Dutch oven cooking (and eating), horsemanship, kids games and plenty of other activities. For more information call 435-245-3778.
If you want to get a comprehensive feel for life in the old West, stop by the American West Heritage Center, located near Logan. The center is a museum, living historic farm and continuous festival, rolled together to offer visitors a hands-on Western experience. Take a step back in time and experience the real old West.
Other Upcoming Events of Special Interest
The Weekend Wing Fling, April 21-22, Brigham City. Grand opening of the new wildlife education center at Bear River Refuge, Brigham City. Kenn Kaufman will be the special guest. Birding field trips, workshops, live bird demonstrations, arts & crafts for children, painting classes for children, sculpture classes for adults, poetry and writing workshops, more. (435) 723-5887
Annual Green River Trail Ride, April 21-23, Green River. Horse trail ride. Early registration is suggested but there may be some late openings. Complete with chuck wagon dinner & breakfast. Ride is limited. Directions to camp will be enclosed with registration. 435-564-8112, 435-564-8114
Off Road Expo, Salt Lake City, April 21-23. America's Largest Off-Road Show comes to the South Towne Expo Center. Presented by Toyota. 805-529-1923.
Migratory Bird Day celebration at Desert Lake, April 22. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will sponsor a waterbird viewing day at Desert Lake in Emery County. Desert Lake is normally closed to the public. Biologists with spotting scopes will be stationed at key locations to help viewers see and identify birds. The event is free and the public is invited.
Wedding of the Rails, May 10, Promontory Point. Step back in time and experience one of the most important moments in US history - the driving of the golden spike to complete the first transcontinental railroad, May 10, 1869. There will be a re-enactment ceremony complete with historic steam engines, railroad displays, activities, food and more.
Great Salt Lake Bird Festival, May 18-23 - Farmington. Come to the 8th Annual Festival and see birds on and around Great Salt Lake marshes. The Festival features bus/van trips with guides, workshops, speakers, Dutch oven dinner, artists, booths, kayaks, food and youth activities. The 2006 keynote speaker is Arthur Morris, nature photographer and writer. Morris will also present photography workshops on Saturday, May 20th. Dr. Kevin Colver will present Birding by Ear on Friday, May 19th. Events are accessible to those with disabilities. 801-451-3286
See our comprehensive events listing for upcoming activities.
(Our header photo at top is courtesy of Bryce Canyon Pines motel.)
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