San Juan Western Heritage Festival &
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
The 13th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo returns to Montrose, Colorado, September 17-18, 2010. Held in conjunction with the San Juan Western Heritage Festival (www.sjwesternfestival.com), events take place at the historic Turn of the Century Saloon , 117 North 4th Street. Along with the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, the Festival will feature live entertainment—including a Saturday evening show by top singer and songwriter Brenn Hill.
The purpose of the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo is “Excellence through competition.” The announcer will, once again, be the well-known cowboy poet and events organizer Smoke Wade. The judging team will be led by 13-year National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo veteran, the one and only “Prairie Pastor,” Ed Nesselhuf and include Darrell Arnold, poet, author, photographer, and long-time editor and publisher of Cowboy magazine; the notoriously funny and talented cowgirl poet, Sam DeLeeuw; one of Western America’s most admired cowgirl poets and author, artist, and teacher Jo Lynne Kirkwood; and the man started The Western Legends Round-up, one of Americas premier Western festivals, Dennis Judd.
This year the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo takes on an international flavor with cowboy poets from 12 states, Canada and Australia competing for approximately $6000.00 in prize money, silver buckles, trophies and a year's worth of bragging rights. Poets compete, on stage, in a stock rodeo format. With numbers on their backs, judges, and a rodeo announcer, the poets spur their "Rides," (their poems) as they compete in 9 different events, giving each constant a golden opportunity to see how they really stack up against their peers. There will be a Friday night show featuring cowboy poets and musical acts.
Saturday, September 18, the top 50 percent of the competing cowboy poets advance to the final round. Following the finals, a Cowboy Poetry Shoot-out will be held, as top ranked cowboy poets compete for the title, "Best in the West." Poets interested in registering for the NCPR may contact Sam Jackson, last2camp@kanab.net (435) 644-5459 or (435) 899-1100.
A headliner and awards show will take place on Saturday evening featuring the winners of the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo along with popular western singer and songwriter, Brenn Hill.
While in Montrose, poets and families will enjoy the Western Colorado Experience, which includes Black Canyon; Ute Indian Museum; Western History Museum; Ouray – “the Switzerland of America”; and other attractions. Many will take home memories, as well as, local products from historic downtown Montrose.
The San Juan Healthcare Foundation is the major sponsor and the fund-raiser proceeds will go to the Caring Friends Fund for patients at the San Juan Cancer Center.
For more information go to www.sjwesternfestival.com, or contact Sam Jackson at (435) 644-5459 or 899-1100.
Find the complete roster of riders and more at www.cowboypoetry.com/ncpr.htm
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