National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

One of the biggest and best known western poetry gatherings is held annually in Elko, Nevada. Besides poetry there are continual performances by singers, a large vendor presence and many interesting workshops. Charlie Seemann, Executive Director, is the person who oversees the gathering.

The event is highly recommended!

From their website:
“The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is a week-long celebration of life in the rural West, featuring the contemporary and traditional arts that arise from lives lived caring for land and livestock. The 26th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering will take place January 23-30, 2010 in the small community of Elko, Nevada, which will overflow with thousands of cowboys and cowgirls, poets and musicians, artisans and scholars, rural people and city folks.

“Produced by the Western Folklife Center, the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering was started in 1985 by a small group of folklorists and poets, and has become an annual ritual for thousands of people who value and practice the artistic traditions of the region, and are concerned about the present and future of the West.

“Hundreds of cowboy poetry gatherings have since taken hold across the West and the nation over the last 25 years, as the Elko Gathering has reinvigorated a tradition that never ceased to be a part of the lives of cowboys, ranchers and rural westerners. In 2000, the U.S. Senate recognized the cultural value of this tradition and the event responsible for its renaissance when it passed a resolution naming the Elko Gathering the “National” Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

“For the 26th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering the Western Folklife Center is pleased to present Seminole and “Cracker” cowboys from Florida and swamp cowboys from Louisiana. Cattle ranching is one of Florida’s oldest and most important cultural and occupational activities, beginning when Spanish explorers introduced horses and cattle to the region in the 16th century. Louisiana’s cattle business has flourished since the mid-18th century. In their part of the country they say “anyone can herd cows on dry land!” Our guests will include poets, storytellers, cooks, Creole zydeco musicians, craftspeople and Seminole Indian cowboys.”

You can go to the Elko Poetry Gathering website by clicking HERE.