This year, there was a small model horse show at the Strater Hotel and a symposium on cowboy horsemanship. But the heart of the gathering is the poetry. Organizers offer a variety of free daytime sessions and paid nighttime performances. But some cowboy poetry is moving in its innocence. And the corn is part of the charm.
Cowboy poetry is an art form unlike any other.
For the most part, it is family entertainment, although audiences last weekend and in previous years have been predominantly older. Run entirely by volunteers, the Durango Cowboy Gathering celebrates a rough but romantic way of life. And it is fun. The community owes thanks to the board and other volunteers, and to the performers, for making the gathering possible. Contents copyright 2000, the Durango Herald.