February 2014 Events

A Western roundup of events where you can experience the Old West

ART SHOW

Wigwam Festival of Fine Art

Litchfield Park, AZ, February 14-16: World-class art and entertainment with award-winning Western, American Indian and Southwestern artists.

623-734-6526 • Litchfield-Park.org

Trappings of Texas

Alpine, TX, Starts February 22: Nation’s second-oldest trappings show, held since 1986, offers cowboy gear and Western art, such as Buckeye Blake’s Sky High on Glass Eye Under Two Sky.

432-837-8143 • SulRoss.edu/museum

COMPETITIONS

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

Scottsdale, AZ, February 13-23: More than 2,000 horses compete and perform for over $1 million in prizes, plus equine seminars and vendor market.

480-515-1500 • ScottsdaleShow.com

Donald E. Erickson Memorial Chariot Races

Saratoga, WY, February 15-16: Bet on your favorite teams from Wyoming and Colorado as they race two-horse chariots down a quarter-mile track.

307-326-8855 • WyomingCarbonCounty.com

FUNDRAISERS

Death by Chocolate

Bismarck, ND, February 15: An evening of tantalizing chocolate treats and a silent auction that benefits Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons.

701-223-4525 • GSDakotaHorizons.org

Nebraskaland Day’s Buffalo Bill Birthday Bash

North Platte, NE, February 23: Observe the Wild West showman’s birthday by attending this concert that benefits NebraskaLand Days.

888-313-5606 • NebraskaLandDays.com

HERITAGE FESTIVALS

Native Trails

Scottsdale, AZ, February 1-27: In this celebration’s 12th year, American Indians perform traditional dances and offer up native food and wares.

800-782-1117 • ScottsdalePerformingArts.org

Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace

Gold Canyon, AZ, Starts February 8: Old West time travelers can take in medieval arts and crafts, jousting tournaments and an outdoor circus.

520-463-2600 • RoyalFaires.com

Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo

Wickenburg, AZ, February 14-16: The Senior Pro Rodeo is just one of the numerous events at the 66th annual celebration of Wickenburg’s mining and ranching origins.

928-684-0977 • WickenburgChamber.com

11th Street Cowboy Mardi Gras

Bandera, TX, February 20-22: Cowboys and Cajuns come together to celebrate Mardi Gras in Bandera, which calls itself the “Cowboy Capital of the World.”

830-796-4849 • BanderaCowboyCapital.com

Buffalo Bill’s Birthday Party

Golden, CO, February 22: Gathering of Old West re-enactors and history buffs celebrating William Cody’s birthday at the Rock Rest Lodge.

303-279-3342 • BuffaloBillDays.com

Texas Independence Day Celebration and The Virginian cast reunion

Lockhart, TX, Opens February 28: Demonstrations of how the pioneers lived during the 1800s, plus watch The Virginian with the cast members!

512-227-138 • TexasIndependenceDay.Homestead.com

HORSE FAIR

Oklahoma Horse Fair

Duncan, OK, February 7-9: Enjoy the Chisholm Trail Ranch Rodeo, the horse, mule and pony show, an equine trade show and working cowdog clinics.

405-226-0630 • OKHorseFair.com

MUSIC & POETRY

Jam Sessions at the Occidental Hotel

Buffalo, WY, Thursdays in February: Local musicians gather to perform some of the best Bluegrass, Western and Folk music in the land.

307-684-0451 • BuffaloWyo.com

Tall Tales of the Wild West: The Stories of Karl May

Santa Fe, NM, Closes February 9: Celebrate the life, legacy and numerous stories of the bestselling European author of Westerns, Karl May, shown here.

505-476-5200 • NMHistoryMuseum.org

Cochise Cowboy Poetry& Music Gathering

Sierra Vista, AZ, February 7-9: Showcases cowboy musicians, such as Juni Fisher and the Red Hot Rhythm Rustlers, and poets, such as Mike Dunn.

520-417-9776 • CowboyPoets.com

Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering

Alpine, TX, February 21-22: Doris Daley, Allan Chapman, Washtub Jerry and others celebrate the oral tradition of the working cowboy.

800-561-3712 • Cowboy-Poetry.org

Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering

Ellensburg, WA, February 14-17: A celebration of traditional cowboy art, poetry and music, including a performance from Riders in the Sky (above), as well as a cowboy gear and art show with workshops.

888-925-2204 • EllensburgCowboyGathering.com

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Chama Sno-Ball Balloon Rally

Chama, NM, February 22: In this festival held since 1997, massive hot air balloons and crews gather to fill the skies above Chama with beautiful colors.

575-756-2306 • ChamaValley.com

PARADE

Parada Del Sol

Scottsdale, AZ, February 8: Celebrating its 61st year, the horse-drawn parade features mountain men re-enactors and more.

480-990-3179 • ParadaDelSol.us

TOUR

Lake Lucero Tour

Alamogordo, NM, February 22: Learn about the formation, plants and animals of the White Sands on a tour to the dry Lake Lucero.

575-679-2599 • Alamogordo.com

TRAIN RIDE

Winter Photographer’s Train & Night Photo Shoot

Durango, CO, February 15-16: Passengers will disembark in the wilderness to capture a K-36 train traveling along the Animas Canyon.