Thursday, March 9 – Sunday March 12 with the
9th Annual Best Little Cowboy Gathering
If you are seeking a family-fun entertainment venue with incredible cowboy music, a John Wayne impersonator, sanctioned BBQ cook-off, Western arts & crafts, special space for dancing, cowboy poetry and cowboy storytelling, and more—ALL part of the cowboy legend, then look no further than the Best Little Cowboy Gathering in La Grange at the Fayette County Fairgrounds from Thursday, March 9 through Sunday March 12 (topped off with cowboy church, of course).
Expect an awesome atmosphere and experience to enjoy alone or with family and friends with an ease in parking, minimal walking, rain or shine, all tailored by a grand group of volunteers dedicated to showcase the “cowboy” way of life. This event is ALWAYS held the second full weekend in March and every year is dedicated to expansion profiling the western array of lifestyle in a Rural Texas setting. While listening and dancing in the 1923 pier and beam constructed dance hall to those classics, western swing, and country greats rockin’ the stages, you clearly don’t want to miss the Horse demonstrations (which have been expanded this year), exhibits, Dutch Oven demonstrations with Tim Spice, and great cookin’ that this tradition will be serving up and all of this at new reduced prices with Friday at $15.00 per person, Saturday at $20.00, the two days for $30.00, kiddos under 13 free, and over 13 at $10.00—this is a non-profit group with funds returning to scholarships—a clear win-win and a great time to come out and support this wonderful creative event.
A very special venue this year will include the Texas Buffalo Soldiers. With the motto of the Ninth U.S. Cavalry “We Can, We Will”, this group serves as a lasting tribute to the Black Soldiers of the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry and the 24th and 25th U.S. Infantry Regiments for their Outstanding Acts of Valor during the Indian Wars Campaign. This group offers an educational, historical, and cultural exchange for all ages..you will not be disappointed!
The daily schedule (which may be found at www.bestlittlecowboygathering.com), is a showcased group of greats. Make sure those dancing boots are because there’s a special 30 x 40 wood dance floor being brought in just for you! (Note please that dance hall seating is by reservation.) Thursday, inside the dance hall at 3:00 pm, Coby Carter and 5 Miles West kick off. Jeff Woolsey follows at 7:00 pm. Friday’s featured female entertainer is Ginny Mae. Inside the hall, performers include Landon Dodd at noon, Rocky King at 4:00 pm, then Tommy & Jake Hooker kicking it up at 8:00 pm. The outside stage will feature Shoot Low Sheriff at 3:30 pm and Jeff Woolsey at 7:30 pm.
John Wayne Impersonator, J.R. Edmondson will bring our great actor to life Saturday, March 11 at 10:00 am and inside the dance hall will showcase Jody Nix at 4:00 pm and Billy Mata to follow at 8:00 pm. Saturday’s outside stage will remain very busy as well as The English Brothers perform at 11:30 am, then the ever-loving Jody Nix Fiddle Extravaganza at 1:30 pm, The Lake Travis Fiddlers at 3:00 pm, Billy Mata at 5:00 pm, The English Brothers at 6:30 pm, and Jason Roberts wrapping up the outdoor entertainment starting at 8:00 pm. And, that regular day pass gets the visitor access to ALL of the entertainment at the main stage. Don’t forget that Sunday morning wraps up with Cowboy Church kicking off at 10:00 am.
These incredible acts bring fresh, dynamic memories of earlier days and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Fayette County’s Best Little Cowboy Gathering In Texas exemplifies the motto, “Come a Day Early, Stay a Day Late”, reflecting the shining hospitality that this community has to offer with the official “AIM” to promote the cowboy culture with a variety of music emphasizing western swing, country and old cowboy classics, as well as fun fun fun!! Tips on ensuring your stay is outstanding…bring a jacket (temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees at dusk), grab some sunscreen and camp chairs (might warm up—this is Texas after all!!), and cast your cares away as this event takes you to a time forgotten. The event is never cancelled–some venues are simply moved indoors. The visitor will want to make sure they have time to check out the fantastic arts and crafts, which are always a treat.
The cowboy poetry and storytelling are open mike. Anyone interested in participating is asked to provide a sample of their work prior to the event. This celebration of cowboy culture (with proceeds going to youth scholarships–a real “win-win”), is held at the Fayette County Fairgrounds (one mile north of La Grange on Highway 77) and has become not only a tradition but an educational venue to those that may have not ever embraced that “cowboy persona”–a perfect weekend event for all ages–treat your friends and family to something really special.
Food doesn’t take a backseat as the ever competitive LSBS Best Little Cook-off in Texas commences Friday, March 10 thru Saturday, March 11 and includes pinto beans, chicken, chili, pork ribs, and brisket. Forms may be obtained by going to www.bestlittlecowboygathering.org or by contacting Jimmy Rohde at rowdyj@cvctx.com. Teams consist of a chief cook and five team members and the event is sanctioned by the Lone Star BBQ Society.
If you know nothing about the history and culture of the cowboy, you’ll leave with some lasting memories through music, demonstrations, and activities for all ages. The price can’t be beat. For tickets (dance hall by reservation only), ticket packages (children under 12 are admitted free with an adult), and/or information on the 8th Annual Best Little Cowboy Gathering in Texas from March 10-13 in La Grange, visit www.bestlittlecowboygathering.org.