Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy on July 27th at AQHA Hall of Fame

The National Day of the Cowboy is an event that is celebrated around the country, including right here in Amarillo. Local groups have joined forces to teach, entertain and celebrate the eighth annual National Day of the Cowboy with the public. The celebration takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 27 at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum. This free event will provide entertainment for the whole family.

In addition to the Hall of Fame, local partners include the Junior League of Amarillo, Amarillo Public Library, country music station 101.9 Blake FM, Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, Center City andthe Amarillo Convention & Visitors Council. These partners are excited to participate by leading their own activity amidst the fun planned by the Hall of Fame. Visitors can look forward to these activities and events during the celebration:

• Junior Ranch Rodeo by Pokey the Clown 10 a.m. to noon. Sign up starts at 9 a.m.
• Western performer and trick roper Brian Bausch starts his show at noon that runs until 1 p.m.
• Ride an American Quarter Horse between 1-4 p.m. Sign-up starts at 12:30 p.m.
• Listen to an AQHA Professional Horseman about working with a horse, plus the partnership the duo shares.
• Listen as employees of the Amarillo Public Library read children stories about the cowboy at the Museum, with readings at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• Make a rope like cowboys use starting at 10 a.m.
• Employees from the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum will show young visitors how to create their own brand from 1-3 p.m.
• Hop along Pokey’s barrel train ride from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Take a tour of the Hall of Fame.
• Here’s your last chance to explore the Orren Mixer: Artist of the American Quarter Horse exhibit.
• Oliver’s Saddlery will talk to visitors about the saddle, its parts and how the cowboy uses it.
• Put together a giant puzzle of the Hall of Fame medallion.
• Test the skills of an animal balloonist.
• Make your mark on a Center City stallion statue.

Everyone is welcome to come learn more about American cowboys and their trusty mounts, American Quarter Horses. There is no admission fee, and free food and drinks will be provided.

The National Day of the Cowboy campaign was founded in 2004 to preserve, protect and promote the cowboy and Western heritage. The campaign lobbies for the passage of the national resolution designating the fourth Saturday of every July a permanent celebration on the national calendar. The campaign believes in honoring cowboys and cowgirls for their enduring contribution and their courageous, pioneering American spirit. For more information on the scope of this day as a national event, go to www.nationaldayofthecowboy.com.

AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHAnews on Twitter, watch the AQHA Newscast and visitwww.aqha.com/news.