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Be there Saturday for taste of Old West, or at least how it should have been

The Durango Cowboy Gathering’s Saturday morning parade is always a highlight of the annual four-day poetry, music and art fest. Expect plenty of horses with riders in Western garb, and burros, mules and llamas.

Many of the entries in this style of parade will include four-footed conveyances, the animals that in partnership made it possible to settle the West.

This year, cowboy and rancher Don Gosney of Bayfield is the Grand Marshall, with artist Veryl Goodnight of Mancos receiving recognition. Goodnight features Western themes in her nationally recognized sculptures.

The parade is at 10 a.m., traveling north on Main Avenue from 5th to 12th streets.

Beginning Thursday, the gathering has scheduled numerous events for the four days. Cowboy poets will visit schools, there will be a cowboy poetry train ride and a trail ride at Haviland Lake north of town. Western art is center stage at three downtown Durango galleries, and there is a chuck wagon breakfast one morning.

A variety show with “mystery” in its title will be on stage.

Evening performances of poetry and music in the Henry Strater Theater are always popular, with some tickets for the later show still remaining.

The annual Gathering is a whole lot more entertaining than the original West ever was, and that is what makes it so much fun. The story lines of the poetry recitals will have you laughing or crying, or alternating between the two, with the narration of the behavior of a loyal horse or a lost love. The horse usually is made to be more desirable.

Go to www.DurangoCowboyGathering.org for the schedule and ticket availability.

Thanks to the organizers and supporters of this multi-faceted event, one that occurs when the trees are turning and the last of summer is in the air. It is a family-friendly event that helps preserve the traditions of working ranchers and keeps Durango in touch with its Western heritage.

But, back to the parade. Handling a horse takes skill, and the costumes were once everyday wear.

Remember, 10 a.m. Saturday.



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