National Cowboy Poetry Gathering facts for kids
Quick facts for kids National Cowboy Poetry Gathering |
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|---|---|
| Date(s) | 1985 |
| Location(s) | Nevada |
| Country | United States |
| Founder | Sarah Sweetwater and her friends started the Folklife Festival in the Elko park in the 1970s. She wanted to keep cowboy culture alive by recording cowboy poets and when the event began to grow, she hired Hal Cannon to help with the business and marketing. |
The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is a yearly event. It celebrates cowboy poetry and takes place in Elko, Nevada, in the United States. The Western Folklife Center organizes this special gathering. It was once known as the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
Contents
The Gathering's Beginnings
The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering started in 1985. William Wilson helped get money for the event. It was planned by experts in folklore and local cowboy poets. These included Hal Cannon and Waddie Mitchell.
The goal was to create a place. Ranchers and cowboys could meet there. They could share poems about their lives. These poems often told stories about working with cattle.
A Growing Community
From the very start, people felt connected. They found an artistic community. Many did not know such a group existed. Over the years, this community grew much larger. It became a big group of Western poets, musicians, and storytellers.
They share tales of hard work and funny moments. They also talk about what it means to live in the Western rangelands. The "Elko Gathering" became the "National Cowboy Poetry Gathering." This name change happened because of a special act by Congress in 1980.
What Happens at the Gathering
Many people simply call the event "Elko." It is a very important place for ranchers. It also attracts Western fans. They come to learn about the art that comes from the land.
The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering lasts for six days. It includes poetry readings and music. There is also dancing and many workshops. People can see exhibits and have conversations. It is a time for good food and friendship. The event honors old traditions. But it also focuses on today's rural West.
Famous Guests and Performers
The first gathering in 1985 had 40 poets. Less than 1,000 people came to watch. By 2009, for the 25th anniversary, many more attended.
Keynote Speakers
Some very well-known people have spoken at the event. In 2009, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was the main speaker. Other famous speakers include Temple Grandin, Stuart Udall, and Barry Corbin.
Invited Artists
Many talented artists have performed at the gathering. The list of invited artists is quite long. It includes musicians and poets. Some of these artists are Don Edwards and Waddie Mitchell. Others include Joel Nelson and Wallace McRae. The music group Riders in the Sky has also performed. Poets like Georgie Sicking, Dalton Wilcox, and Baxter Black have shared their work. Singer Ian Tyson has also been a part of the event.
Other Cowboy Poetry Events
The Elko Gathering was a pioneer. It inspired many other similar events. These gatherings now happen across the nation.
Texas Gatherings
One example is the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering. It started in 1987. This event takes place at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. It followed the original event in Elko.
Alvin G. Davis was a cowboy poet. He attended the Alpine event. In 1989, he started a similar group in Lubbock. This group is called the American Cowboy Culture Association. It helps put on an annual event. This event is called the National Cowboy Symposium and Celebration. It happens every year after Labor Day.
