Buckaroo Basics

Jackson, Wyoming – May 1, 2008 – Families searching for affordable Memorial Day Weekend entertainment will find free fun ranging from a live horse-drawn parade to (staged) shootouts in the streets of Jackson, Wyo., during Jackson’s Old West Days, May 23-26.  The three days of events live up to the town’s “last of the Old West” slogan:  Enjoy musical offerings from country western to yodeling to bagpipes, stand back for the mountain man bow and arrow competition, and get a gunslinger’s autograph at the Kids Cowboy Connection, to name just a few activities to delight little buckaroos and their parents alike.

            A highlight of the weekend is the Old West Days parade, one of the largest horse-drawn parades in the country, featuring vintage transportation from saddle horses to covered wagons to antique autos.  The 50-year-old Jackson Hole “shootout” brings Old West drama to the streets that’s better than any video game, while mountain men thrill crowds with historically accurate skill demonstrations including hawk and knife and atlatl competitions

In addition to free activities, some of the weekend events charge admission but are well worth the price, including historic stagecoach rides around Town Square and a chance to sample the product of area vines with the Jackson Hole Rotary Wine Fest and Old West Brew Fest.  Those with a hankering for some real-West shopping can browse the wares at the Mountain Man Traders Row and Antler Rendezvous, and hunt for bargains on horse gear at the annual tack swap. And the whole family can enjoy watching original ranching skills in action at the first rodeo of the season, the Jackson Hole Rodeo, with family packages available.

            For a complete schedule of Old West Days events, contact the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce at 307.733.3316 or visit www.jacksonholechamber.com.