The sights, sounds and storytelling traditions of the American West return to downtown Winnsboro Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, as the Winnsboro Center for the Arts hosts its fifth annual Cowboy Music and Poetry Gathering.
Centered around the historic Bowery district at 200 Market St., the two-day event will feature Western musicians and poets, open-mic sessions, regional art and family activities.
“Our Cowboy Music & Poetry Gathering provides a special opportunity to learn about and experience Cowboy Culture through its family-friendly activities and performances,” WCA Director Mary White said.
The gathering began five years ago as an initiative by WCA to recognize the cultural legacy of working cowboys, rural life and Western folklore. Since then, the event has grown to attract poets, musicians and visitors from across Texas and beyond.
“We are very fortunate in that Winnsboro is one of only a very few locations in Texas to host a Gathering with such nationally acclaimed performers. These are really the best of the best when it comes to Cowboy Music and Poetry,” White said.
Festivities begin Friday at 5 p.m. with the annual Cowboy Gathering Chili Cook-Off and Tasting.
The main stage program begins at 7:30 p.m. at the WCA Bowery Stage with Western Heritage Award winner Pipp Gillette, Grammy-nominated cowboy poet Joel Nelson, Lloyd Wright and Joel Alden White.
Activities continue Saturday with Western-themed vendors, family activities and cultural demonstrations in downtown Winnsboro. Open-mic sessions will give regional poets, storytellers and acoustic musicians an opportunity to perform.
The Saturday afternoon performance begins at 4 p.m. and features the Kristyn Harris Trio, poet Teresa Burleson and singer and poet Ed Meyer.
Andy Hedges, Chris Ryden and Rod Taylor will perform during the evening program beginning at 7 p.m.
The gathering concludes Saturday with Western swing dancing at 8:30 p.m., featuring Miss Devon and the Outlaw’s Amigos.
Also being held in conjunction with the gathering is “Cowboy Tales,” a Western art exhibition in the WCA gallery. The exhibit includes paintings, photography and mixed media depicting ranch life and Western landscapes. The free exhibit runs Sept. 23 through Nov. 14.
Stage concerts and indoor events will be held at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 Market St. Outdoor vendor areas and the “Cowboy Tales” exhibit are free to the public.
Tickets for individual concerts, the chili tasting and Saturday two-concert passes range from $10 to $50. Tickets are available through the Winnsboro Center for the Arts website or by calling 903-342-0686.