The 8th annual Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering is a truly unique event organized by ranchers, musicians, poets and writers living in the area as a way to help preserve and promote ranching, cowboy culture and lifestyle.  It is co-sponsored by the Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering Outfit and the Grand Encampment Museum and is held the third full weekend in July.

Friday evening, please join us at Grand View Park for an open mic cowboy music and poetry session from 6-8 pm, then stay for the campfire jam session.

Saturday's events include a dutch oven cookoff from 8-10 am at Grand View Park, historic activities and book signings at the Grand Encampment Museum at 10 am, and the Stick Horse Rodeo at 11 am at Grandview Park.  The Encampment-Riverside Lions Club will serve lunch at the park starting at 11 am.  From noon until 4 pm, the Western Entertainment Roundup begins at Grandview Park, featuring cowboy music and poetry.  Saturday evening's All Star Cowboy Poetry and Music Show features favorite cowboy and cowgal poets and musicians beginning at 7 pm at the Encampment School Gym.  Some of this year's featured performers include Juni Fisher, John Nelson, Al "Doc" Mehl, and Washtub Jerry.  Saratoga's own cowboy poet Chuck Larsen will thoroughly entertain the crowd as well.  The Pioneer Award will also be presented.  Tickets are $15, doors open at 6:15 pm.  Following the evening events, informal music and poetry jam sessions will be held by the campfire in Grand View Park.  Anyone interested in sharing music or a poem is encouraged to attend.

On Sunday, events include a chuck wagon breakfast from 7-10 am at the museum, featuring biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and sausage, and cowboy coffee.  Cowboy Church starts at 10 am at Grand View Park.   The museum's annual "Living History Days" will also  feature a historical program at the Grand Encampment Museum beginning at 11 am.  Joni Fisher will teach a song writing workshop at 1 pm at the Grand View Park tent.

For more information about the Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering, please call 307-327-5389.