R&R is in the air! Enjoy some at the 23rd annual Old West Days and Nebraska Cowboy Poetry Gathering

The hay has been put up....the calves have gone to market - or will be shortly....and really, you do deserve a break from it all.

So head to Valentine, Nebraska, and enjoy some inspirational cowboy music and poetry - of which some can be down right hilarious in it's truthfulness. It's good to know you're not the only one with a bossy Bessy on the ranch.

Old West Days begins October 9 and will continue through October 12, 2014.
Thursday begins the festivities with a BBQ at Security First Bank, grilled by Henderson's IGA. You'll be serenaded with live entertainment, which is followed by the Old Time Melodrama....boo and hiss the villain, and cheer on the good guys!

You know you're getting a great burger from Henderson's IGA at the Kick-off BBQ!

Friday is when the poetry sessions begin, and there are several to chose from - a day full of prose and stories and western music. These events will take place at the Valentine High School.

Brett Burress and his band were entertainers last year. 

This year the featured entertainers include: Bill Barwick, Elizabeth Ebert, D.W. Groethe, Miss V, the Gypsy Cowbelle, and Brooke Turner.

Last year Lyn Messersmith had a writing workshop. She has written many books which 

are available at Plains Trading Book Sellers.

God has given her a gift of storytelling and you'll hang on every word. 

There will also be the Western art, trade and quilt show - things to take back home to remind you of simpler times. There are also books and music on sale from the performers so you can keep that feeling all year long.

The quilt show will have your mind whirring - putting your stash to work in your head! If you're not a quilter, you can admire the handiwork put into these works of art!

No budget for the real thing? How about a stick horse!!!! There are one of a kind items at the Trade Show - and it's about that time to begin thinking of Christmas gift giving. 

Saturday there are more music and poetry sessions which begin at 9:00 a.m. both days. For the writer in you, a Writing the West Workshop will be held with Yvonne Hollenbeck giving a Self Publishing Workshop, hosted by Duane Gudgel who is the owner of Plains Trading and Book Sellers here in Valentine.

Duane Gudgel, owner of Plains Trading Book Sellers

Yvonne Hollenbeck and her honey! The subject of many of her award winning poems. 

Poetry and entertainment will continue on into the evening performance which begins at 7:30 p.m., both nights.

Sunday morning, enjoy Old West Church Services.
Then take in God's glory as you partake in the annual Trail Ride which begins at 2:00 p.m.
The final event of Old West Days is the last performance of the Old Time Melodrama which is at 7:30 p.m.

The Valentine Players will have something special in store for you with their Old Time Melodrama!

The Old Time Melodrama and the Featured Performances all require tickets which can be purchased through the Valentine Chamber of Commerce by calling 402-376-2969.
To find out more about the Featured Performers, Old West Church Services, and the Trail Ride go to the official website at: nebraskacowboypoetrygathering.com.
It's a great way to enjoy a little R&R after a blessed summer, abundant hay and great cattle prices.

While you're in town, enjoy Main Street!!! There are so many unique shops and stores, not to mention characters, who own and operate these businesses. Remember to visit the sponsors of SandhillsWesternVacations.com. They can help you with accommodations at Trade Winds Lodge, food at Henderson's IGA, a river trip which will showcase the extraordinary diversity of the Niobrara National Scenic River dressed in her fall colors Brewers Canoers and Tubers. There are unique, one of a kind, gifts galore that can be found at Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, which has patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co.. For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery. Or visit them on-line and pick your items up while you're here.

There's plenty more to do and see while you're in the area. Your ticket to four season, family fun and Nebraska Adventure can be found at SandhillsWesternVacations.com ... make this truly an R&R trip back in time!