Party Like a Cowboy
Experts recommend their favorite Western events.
By: Phil Spangenberger ,Robert G. McCubbin ,TW Editors 02/01/2007
Royal Wade Kimes’ Top Music Festivals
Royal Wade Kimes is admittedly the spokesperson for the National Day of the Cowboy, but the reason why their festival rocks is partly because of this top Western singer who has performed at Western music festivals across the nation. Kimes worked as a ranch hand for Loretta Lynn and a chance meeting with Eddy Arnold helped him land a job as a songwriter in Nashville. He launched his own singing career in 1996 and has played at the festivals ever since.
1. NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY CELEBRATION (NE)
This is my top pick because Ainsworth, Nebraska, is full of real cowboys and cowgirls from all ages. They celebrate the National Day of the Cowboy Holiday, not only because it is there to be celebrated but because they truly care. The Country and Western concerts are the top attraction at this event that also has the chuckwagons going, a horse sale and show, mounted shooting events, mercantiles of leather to spurs and there are no shortages of good looking horses here. July 2007.
402-387-2740
2.WILD BILL HICKOK DAYS
Deadwood, South Dakota, puts on a weekend of high-rollin’ fun. It would be my top pick if the headliner for the concert was Western instead of mainstream Country. June 15-17, 2007. 800-999-1876 • deadwood.org
3. SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR
Very creative music festival at this state fair, and the lady who runs it knows her people and has a heart. It is a fair festival, but a better one than most. Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2007. 800-529-0900 • www.sdstatefair.com
4. MULE CAMP
Cowboys come from all over the state and country to compete in the Western events in Covington, Georgia. A dance and concert tops off the event. May 2007. 706-335-7302 • mulecamp.com
5. GUNS OF AUGUST
Middletown, Ohio’s weekend of SASS competition and Wild West shooting is finished off with an authentic Country and Western concert (not Pop-style Country and Western). August 2007. 714-694-1800 • sassnet.com
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