To the city-slickers of Durango: It might be time to trade in that business-casual Patagonia for denim, bolo ties and cowboy boots – at least for a few days.
The Durango Cowboy Gathering, a multiday fall festival, returns this week to celebrate the culture, traditions and spirit of the American West.
Starting Wednesday, venues across town will host cowboy music, poetry and comedy shows.
“Other than just having a good time, our goal is to help preserve and educate people on Western culture,” said Barry Longwell, president of the Cowboy Gathering board of directors.
To Longwell, the cowboy culture of the Old West is really a universal code.
“To me, the cowboy ethos is one of honesty, of doing right by your neighbors and helping your neighbors, of a family-oriented culture, and one that cares for the land and the animals,” he said. “It’s something everyone can get behind, regardless of their background.”
And besides, he added, it’s fun – especially the jokes woven into cowboy poetry.
Founded in 1988 by Kevin O’Farrell, the event began as an informal gathering at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, where locals shared songs and poems. It has since grown into a four-day festival featuring more than 20 performers from across the country.
This year’s headliners include musicians Trinity Seely, Jon Chandler and Dave Stamey, along with comedic duo B.J. and R.P. Smith. Numerous other performances will take place throughout the week, including free music events, trail rides and artist gatherings, just to name a few.
The gathering will culminate Saturday with the Cowboy Parade, where cars will be swapped out for a more fuel-efficient mode of transportation: horseback.
One of Colorado’s largest nonmotorized parades, it draws the biggest crowd of the weekend, Longwell said. Last year, an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 people turned out to watch historic wagons, costumed riders, horses, mules and burros travel down Main Avenue.
“A lot of people have never been close to a horse before,” Longwell said. “It gives them a chance to see a horse up close and interact with a rider.”
The parade now includes a “horseback social” introduced last year, when Main Avenue is opened to riders ahead of the procession. “It’s just fun to ride horses down Main,” Longwell said. “It’s not something you get to do every day.”
And new this year, the 700 and 800 blocks of Main will remain closed after the parade for family-friendly activities running until 2 p.m. Events include a pie auction, live music on Eighth Street and a petting corral.
For a full schedule and tickets, visit durangocowboygathering.org/schedule.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
