Cowboy gathering celebrates Wyoming statehood, ranch traditions

Recognition of lifelong ranchers, a celebration of 125 years of Wyoming Statehood, and the local induction of individuals in the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame are highlight events for the 13th Annual Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering slated for July 17-19 in Encampment, Wyoming. An Open Mic performance of cowboy music and poetry kicks off the gathering on Friday, July 17 at the Grand View Park at 7 p.m. Afterward, people will move to the Grand Encampment Opera House for a family dance to the music of Sam Platts and The Kootenai Three. Dutch oven cooks begin making the main dish, dessert and bread at the cook-off July 18 with the free afternoon concert that will also include recognition of Ray Weber, Tim Barkhurst, Ron Garretson and the late Frank Carroll as members of the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame. Life-long ranchers in the Little Snake River Valley, Ray and Kathleen Weber, will be recognized with the Gathering’s Pioneer Award...more