Published: October 15, 2009 03:11 pm      

Wagon trail to roll into town

Sara Ortega

sortega@weatherforddemocrat.com

The historic Red Steagall wagon train will make its first overnight stop in Weatherford at the First Monday grounds Tuesday.

The public can join the celebration of cowboy music and poetry starting at 6 p.m.

The 19th annual Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival will kick off when the wagon train begins its week-long journey Sunday, leaving from Jacksboro and traveling through Perrin, Mineral Wells, Weatherford and Azle.

“We are so proud to be able to bring the cowboy gathering back for an incredible 19th year” Steagall, organizer of the event, said in a press release. “Our hope is that everyone who attends will be able to experience a piece of the west and go home with a new perspective on true western living.”

A weekend-long celebration will begin Thursday when the train rides into the Fort Worth Stockyards. Starting Friday, a chuck wagon parade will begin downtown at the UTA Fort Worth Center’s Santa Fe Station on Jones Street and move north on Main Street to end at the Stockyards.

Saturday, an authentic chuck wagon cook off will be judged along with a ranch rodeo with 14 Texas ranchers competing in traditional ranch events.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Dan Roberts, Jean Prescott and the Quebec Sisters Band, and cowboy singer Don Edwards.

“Don Edwards helped us found this event, and has been pleasing crowds since the very beginning,” Steagall said. “We are thrilled to have so many performers join us year after year, to bring our message and pass on a piece of our history to new audiences.”

Tickets for the weekend gathering are on sale and can be purchased by calling 1-888-COWTOWN. For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit www.redsteagallcowboygathering.com.