The National Festival of the West

Watch for exciting news about 2013
Festival of the West!!

Mary and Jim Brown are proud to announce the return of the National Festival of the West, bigger and better than ever.

Mark your calendars for March of 2013 (exact dates and location to be determined – please check back often), we’re bringing back all the celebrities and attractions that you’ve come to expect at the Festival of the West, plus more. In addition to the Western Music Jamboree, Extreme Cowboy Competition, Trick Riding and Roping, Western Trade Show, Cowboy Poetry, Chuckwagon cook-off, and Western Film Fest, we’re adding a bigger, Western themed kids zone, BBQ Cook-off, interactive Panning for Gold exhibit, and Evening Country Concerts under the stars, to make our event the biggest event of its kind.

So dust off your boots while we build our new website and lock down all the details. If you have questions that just can’t wait, shoot us an email at info@festivalofthewest.com.
Vendors, you can start booking your space soon, please contact us at info@festivalofthewest.com.

Western Music Jamboree
Three stages of continuous western music and cowboy entertainment fill the air with songs from the old and new west, performed by some of the top western entertainers in the country. General Entertainment is included in the price of Admission.

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Western Trade Show
The National Festival of the West provides one of the largest western shopping experiences in the country. With over 200 exhibitors, shoppers will find everything in western merchandise.

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Log Home Show
Learn more about White Mountain recreational property. See cabin accessories and furnishings. Expand your knowledge of log homes and log home building.

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Western Film Festival
Western silver screen heroes visit with guests at The National Festival of the West. Listen in on celebrity panel discussions and learn, firsthand, what happened on the set. Visit with celebrities at autograph sessions and talk with the stars.

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Each year The National Festival of the West presents this prestigious award to men and women who have contributed to the continuance of the western life-style and who have demonstrated the characteristics so admired in the American cow images/Drury1.gif boy. In 2010, artist, Kenneth M. Freeman and actor, James Drury, will receive the coveted Cowboy Spirit Award. Scottsdale's own "Rembrandt of the Rodeo", fine artist, Kenneth M. Freeman will be posthumously presented with the award. Freeman painted portraits of John Smith, Robert Fuller and John Wayne specifically for the Festival and was a good friend. James Drury, probably most known for his work in The Virginian television, will also receive the award in 2010.

Cowboy Poetry

Cowboy is a verb, not a noun. It's what you do, not a title. Using rhyming stories to tell folks about the rugged and lonely cowboy life began with the great cattle drives and continues at The National Festival of the West with some of the top cowboy poets in the country.

Fun for the Whole Family

Family was important in the old west and that focus is carried on at The National Festival of the West. Friday is KIDS DAY with children admitted Free of Charge to explore and learn about the old west. There are plenty of great children's activities held every day at the Festival.

Chuck Wagon Cook Off

Chuck wagons, complete with cantankerous cooks, come from all over the country to vie for prizes for the best "trail style grub." Cooking over open fires, contestants conjure up the three "Bs" -beef, beans, biscuits- plus taters and a dessert. Chuck wagons are also judged for authenticity. Grab your "eatin' irons" and be ready for some delicious grub on Saturday at the Chuck Wagon Cookoff. Click on Chuck Wagon Cook Off for winners from 2009.

Costume Contest
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A popular annual event, the Festival of the West Costume Contest will be held Saturday, March 20th. Dress up as your favorite character and join the fun competing for trophies & ribbons. Come as a rambunctious saloon girl...shifty-eyed snake oil salesman...rugged mountain man, military soldier, cowboy or lawman. Costume Contest categories include Madame, Saloon Woman, Townslady, Gunfighter, Cowboy and Townsman, Male and Female Specialty. The historic period is from 1850 to 1899 Victorian/American West. There is no charge to enter, so come and join in the fun.

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Mountain Man Rendezvous & Sutler's Row
Housed in canvas tents and dressed in authentic 1830s clothing, these men and women sell goods typical of the mountain man era. Demonstrations from the period can also be observed.

The goal of the Festival is to keep the history and the spirit of the cowboy and the old west alive, says Trail Boss Mary Brown. Whether attracted by the history of the west, the legend and the lore of the cowboy, the western collectibles and exhibitors, or the romance of the Hollywood western, there is something for everyone at the National Festival of the West. Be sure to join the celebration and have a bang up good time.

9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers
Join the Buffalo Soldiers at their military encampment on Main Street. Ask questions of the history of the famous Black military group and learn more about their history and their bravery during the Indian wars and settling of the American West.

Phone: 602-996-4387

E-mail:info@festivalofthewest.com

P.O. Box 28951 Scottsdale AZ 85255