Colorado State University Celebrates Cowboy Customs with Community to Benefit Equine Center Facilities Improvement
The Equine Teaching and Research Center at Colorado State University is hosting a three-day, Western-themed benefit to fund improvements to facilities at the Equine Center from noon-7 p.m. May 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 14 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 15 at the B. W. Pickett Equine Center on Overland Trail in Fort Collins.
The weekend benefit, Cowboy Customs, is co-sponsored by the Mountain Riders Horse Club, a Colorado State student group, and faculty at the center.
The weekend will combine elements of a trade show, Western entertainment and educational opportunities. The trade show will feature Western themed, handmade goods by regional cowboy artisans, including saddle makers, silversmiths, cowboy antiques, Western decor and Western art.
"This is an event for the entire family to enjoy," said Anne Westhoff, barn manager and instructor in the Animal Sciences Department at Colorado State. "Cowboy artisans can feature their products and services and the community can learn more about the art, history and traditions of the cowboy culture."
Entertainment will include cowboy poetry performed by Sam Noble, Jay Johnson and Tim Nolting; cowboy yodeling performed by Vic Anderson; a vocal performance from Jim Bryce; and a Western-wear fashion show. In addition, the Mountain Riders Horse Club will provide activities for children including pony rides, a petting zoo featuring lamb, a miniature donkey, chicken and ducks and the opportunity to dress up like cowboys and take photographs.
Steve Weil of Rockmount Western Wear in Denver will give a history of Western clothing and a book signing of his new publication, "Western Shirts: A Classic American Fashion."
Following is a schedule of performances at Cowboy Customs.
May 13, noon -7 p.m.
– 3 p.m.: Jay Johnson will present cowboy poetry.
– 4 p.m.: Western fashion show presented by Mountain Riders Horse Club.
– 5 p.m.: Vic Anderson will perform cowboy yodeling.
– 6 p.m.: Cowboy poetry presented by Sam Noble.
May 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
– 11 a.m. Tim Nolting will perform cowboy poetry.
– Noon: Yodeling performed by Vic Anderson.
– 1 p.m.: Steve Rockwell of Rockmount Western Wear will be signing his most recently published book.
– 3 p.m.: Country singing by artist Jim Bryce.
– 5 p.m.: Cowboy poetry by Sam Noble.
May 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
– 10:30 a.m.: Sam Noble and Jim Bryce will lead a cowboy church service.
– Noon: Vic Anderson will perform yodeling.
– 1:30 p.m.: Western wear fashion show presented by Mountain Riders Horse Club.
Proceeds raised from the event will go toward updating facilities at the Equine Center, including a new sound system in the facilities. To aid in the fundraising, a silent auction is planned, with items for bid that have been donated by vendors and other local businesses and artisans. Items for bid include belt buckles, Western clothing, an Indian spear and gift certificates for cowboy-related services such as cowboy hat cleaning.
Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and over, seniors and students. Children under 12 are free. For a full schedule, visit www.csuequine.com.
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