Twenty years of poetry

Cowboy poetry and music fans are invited to grab a lawn chair and enjoy the 20th Annual Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering this weekend beneath the blue sky, bright moon and shiny stars at Grand View Park in Encampment.

For the first time in its history, all events will be held under the tents at the park. In past years the All-Star Show was held in the Encampment school with other activities at the park.

Kicking off the three-day event will be the open mic poetry and music performance, hosted by Jason Swedlund, at 6:30  Friday evening, followed by the traditional, popular Campfire Jam Session, under the direction of Ken Kreusel, at the fire pit in Grand View Park where you are invited to join the entertainers to pick, sing, tell tales, listen or just watch and enjoy.

Saturday morning will open at 9 a.m. with dutch oven cooking by Jack Schmidt, followed by a songwriting workshop at 10 a.m. by Doug Figgs. Lunch will be served by the Encampment/Riverside Lions Club about 11 a.m. The free Western Entertainment Roundup, under the direction of Jerry Paxton and featuring a dozen cowboy poets and musicians, begins at noon.

Also during the afternoon will be the announcement of Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees and a memorial to those folks who passed away during the last year.

Saturday evening at 7 p.m. western folksinger and entertainer Steve Moulton will emcee the "All-Star Cowboy Poetry and Music Show" featuring Amy & Annie (see accompanying article). They will be joined on the stage by cowboy poet and singer Doc Mehl and poet Floyd Beard.

During the night show, a special tribute will be paid to the late Chuck Larsen, original emcee and poet, who passed away earlier this year. Other activities include presentation of the pioneer award and announcement of the winner of the R. G. Finney framed print, "Sharing the Jug".

Sunday morning will dawn with a Cowboy Ranch Breakfast of biscuits & sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, coffee and juice prepared by Cheryl Monroe and the GECG Outfit crew beginning at 8 a.m.

Ken and Becky Kreusel will again lead the Cowboy Church beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday morning.

Again, those planning to attend are asked to "BRING A CHAIR" and enjoy a weekend of good, old-fashioned, wholesome entertainment at Grand View Park in Encampment, WY, sponsored by the Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering Outfit.