First Wild West Day & Second Cowboy Poetry Night Was A Rousin’ Success!
Coulterville’s second annual Cowboy Poetry event once again drew a large crowd to this picturesque, historic gold rush town. This time, it capped off the first annual “Western Week In Coulterville”, so designated in honor of True West magazine’s inclusion of Coulterville on their 2011 top ten True Western Towns. Coulterville was ranked #4 in the U.S. and was the only California town on the list. This year people came early and stayed late thanks to the many activities that took place as part of Coulterville’s Old Wild West Day.
Mary Lou’s Cup of Brew rolled out their first offering of Hot Biscuits ‘n Gravy, which sold out by 10 am. Folks from as far away as Manteca had come early just to enjoy this treat! The new owners of Rose Cottage, Rick and Debbie Cordeiro, all decked out in 1800’s era get-ups had a special “Grand Opening” celebration, complete with home baked goodies served on lovely antique trays that were contributed by many of their friends and family members. Former owners Tony and Terry Dykes were on hand to say good bye.
By High Noon, people were streaming into the park, moseying around the various booths featuring cowboy and nature oriented photographs and artwork, as well as COOLterville’s custom T shirts. The Coulterville Claim Jumpers put on a rip rousing shoot-out.
Country western music filled the air all afternoon, thanks in large part to Banjo Benny (aka Ben Taylor) and the aromas emanating from the Claim Jumper’s chuck wagon drew many. There was even some impromptu Karaoke and the Chicken Bingo games were a riot.
People toured Coulterville’s Boot Hill…although many did not wait for the formal tour, checked out the displays at the History Center and filled the restaurants. The IOOF Fish Fry drew both locals and folks up from the valley and beyond. Reports have been streaming in that there were crowds everywhere and everyone was having fun!
Boys and girls were dressed-up as cowpokes and were riding imaginary horses ‘round town, shooting off cap pistols and folks who hadn’t been to Coulterville recently were enjoying the revived vitality of the town.
The first Mayoral Stump-Off was “a blast from the past”, with all five candidates well prepared and hilarious. Fanny D’Flame even gave Coulterville its very own song, “Oh My Coulterville” and had everyone singing along by the third (of five) verse!
People kept arriving all afternoon so that by the time the evening’s Cowboy Poetry got underway, the park was pretty much filled up! The weather really cooperated for once, with mild temperatures both during the day and well into the night.
Between the volunteers and staff of the Mariposa County Arts Council and the Coulterville Community Club, the entire day went off smoothly. Thanks to all those that helped make this fun fall event a great success!
