Historical Society Holds Annual Cowboy Poetry Event

Kathy P. Ockey

The Emery County Historical Society presented an enjoyable evening of Cowboy Poetry to a large audience at Castle Valley Ranch on Emery’s Muddy Creek Aug. 23.

There were several local cowboys that contributed their talent, including Kevin Jensen and Darren Worwood. Shirley Hill presented a poem she had written to her father on Father’s Day many years ago. The poem, entitled “Prayer of a Coal Miner’s Daughter” was presented in recognition of the miners recently lost.

A special guest for the evening was Bruce King. King is a resident of Axtell, and also a Veterinarian. He says he “loves working with animals” and is “just an old cowboy.” King entertained the crowd with stories and several poems he had written, both humorous and touching.

Several musical numbers were presented by Al Shakespeare and Shaun Tomsich. Otto Dickman regaled the audience by lip syncing the “Song of the Colo-Rectal Surgeon.”

Glendon Johnson, owner of Castle Valley Outdoors, welcomed everyone and introduced the guests staying at the ranch from the national Wellness in the Work Place Committee.

The evening ended with Dutch oven cobbler and ice cream furnished by the Historical Society.
The Cowboy Poetry night started approximately 10 years ago. Jan Petersen was president of the Historical Society at the time and held the first gatherings in the back yard of her home. It was held several years at the same location and became an annual event.

Jim Fauver, manager of Castle Valley Outdoors, approached the Historical Society and asked if they would like to have the event at Castle Valley Outdoors. The location is ideal for the program and the Cowboy Poetry night has grown each year in size and participation.