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Saddle up and get ready for a week full of cowboy poetry, music, and art during National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week! This annual celebration, which takes place in late January/early February, has been around since 1985. It was started to honor the cowboy way of life and preserve the tradition of oral storytelling through poetry. Each year, cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country come together in Elko, Nevada to share their love for this unique form of expression. So grab your boots and hat, and join in on the festivities!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Cowboy Poetry</div><div class='timeline-text'>Cowboy poetry origins trace back to the late 1800s during the Western American cattle drives, where cowboys would recite poems to entertain each other.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1925</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cowboy Poetry Published</div><div class='timeline-text'>John Lomax published Cowboy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads in 1925, one of the earliest collections of cowboy songs and poems.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Cowboy Poetry Gathering</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Western Folklife Center held the first National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition by Congress</div><div class='timeline-text'>Congress recognizes the art form of cowboy poetry, along with the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>Governor Brian Sandoval declared the last week in January as National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week in Nevada.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cowboy poetry gathering</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The best way to celebrate National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week is to actually attend one! Do some research and find a gathering near you, or plan a trip to one in a different state.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a cowboy poetry night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a night of cowboy poetry. Encourage everyone to dress in their best western attire and take turns reciting their favorite cowboy poems or songs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read cowboy poetry with your kids</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Introduce your children to the art of cowboy poetry by reading some together. You can also find kid-friendly cowboy poetry books and activities to make it even more fun.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a western-themed event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local events that have a western theme, such as a rodeo, country fair, or western music concert. These events often feature cowboy poetry as well.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write your own cowboy poem</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and try writing your own cowboy poem. It can be a fun and personal way to celebrate National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates a unique art form</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is a celebration of the rich tradition of cowboy poetry, a unique form of storytelling that has been passed down through generations. It's a chance to appreciate and honor this important part of western culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is an event that draws in people from all walks of life - not just cowboys and ranchers, but also poets, musicians, and enthusiasts from all over the world. It's a great opportunity to connect with others who share a love for cowboy poetry.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a chance to learn about cowboy culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Attending the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering not only allows you to enjoy amazing performances, but also gives you the chance to learn more about cowboy culture and its history. You can gain insight into the lives and traditions of cowboys and gain a deeper appreciation for their way of life.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cowboy Poetry has its roots in the 19th Century</h3><p class='facts-content'>Cowboy poetry originated in the late 1800s, during the cattle drives and ranching era of the American West, and is rooted in the songs, stories, and folklore of cowboy culture.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cowboy Poetry tends to follow specific forms and themes</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although there is variation, cowboy poetry typically revolves around rural life and ranching themes and is often structured in conventional rhyme and metered verse.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering started in 1985</h3><p class='facts-content'>The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering was first held in Elko, Nevada in 1985, and it has since become an annual celebration of cowboy culture and traditional western arts.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cowboy Poetry often features humor and wit</h3><p class='facts-content'>While it can deal with serious themes, cowboy poetry is known for its humor, cleverness, and vivid depiction of life on the frontier.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>In 2019, Cowboy Poetry was recognized by the United States Senate</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 2019, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution officially recognizing the last week of January as National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week, underlining the cultural significance and ongoing popularity of this traditional art form.</p></div></div>
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week is celebrated on January 24 every year. In 2024, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
Jan 24
Tuesday
2024
Jan 24
Wednesday
2025
Jan 24
Friday
2026
Jan 24
Saturday
2027
Jan 24
Sunday
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