CTHC’s National Day of the Cowboy offers diverse western experience

July 13, 2023

Local children's book authors, Marily Kay Pineda and Marilyn Kay Brooks, will read from their book, "The Train of Make-Believe" at Saturday, July 22, National Day of the Cowboy event, a free day at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. They are both former Comanche Elementary School teachers. National Day of the Cowboy offers plenty of activities for all ages. The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DUNCAN, Okla. – Chisholm Trail Heritage Center staff and volunteers are preparing for their annual National Day of the Cowboy Celebration July 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at CTHC.

Every year, CTHC celebrates the nationally recognized event by offering free admission all day. Everyone is invited to help celebrate the cowboy legacy and the diverse groups of cowboys who made the Chisholm Trail successful.

“We love celebrating National Day of the Cowboy with our community members,” said Leah Mulkey, CTHC assistant director. “Seeing our community show up to support the legacy and cultures we work hard to preserve is rewarding and exciting.”

This year’s special guest lineup includes the following:

• Author Joe E. Brown will read excerpts from his novel, "A Cowboy's Destiny," and sing Western music.

• Local children’s book authors, Marilyn Kay Pineda and Marilyn Kay Brooks, will read from their book.

• “The Wild Boys,” a group of Black cowboys, will demonstrate their cowboy skills.

• Miss American Indian OSU 2023, Shaeleigh McGee, will demonstrate the art of Chickasaw beading.

• Gaylon Blankenship and Missy Frye, who guests always love, will be performing.

The Wild Boys will kick off the celebration followed by live performances by Blankenship and Frye. McGee will be demonstrating throughout the day. Pineda and Brooks will read from their book at 11 a.m.; 1 p.m.; and 3 p.m. Brown will read and sing starting at 11:30, followed up by more live music by Blankenship and Frye.

Guests can interact with the special guests, enjoy both of CTHC’s theaters, play in the interactive exhibit, and browse the Garis Gallery of the American West. Guests can also enjoy the featured artist exhibit.

A children’s craft will also be available thanks to the Oklahoma Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts.

“We hope everyone in town will be able to join us and celebrate National Day of the Cowboy,” Mulkey said. “We look forward to this celebration every year and always have a wonderful day.”

For more information, call 580-252-6692 or email bailey@onthechisholmtrail.com.

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