The Eighth Annual National Day of the American Cowboy takes place on Saturday at the High Plains Western Heritage Center in Spearfish. The nationwide celebration acknowledges the contributions of cowboys to the American culture.
Western Heritage Center spokesperson Peggy Ables says a ranching state like South Dakota owes a lot to the cowboy.
“The cowboy’s always played a major role,” says Ables. “They were the folks that put up with the weather and not exactly high wages and just enjoyed the life and the freedom that it offered. “
Among the events planned for celebrating the National Day of the American Cowboy is a campfire show that tells the stories of early ranchers in Harding and Perkins counties.
The life of range boss James “Tennessee” Vaughn, who was instrumental in bringing cattle to South Dakota and Wyoming will also be featured at the High Plains Western Heritage Center.
www.westernheritagecenter.com