Cowboy poetry draws 80

NARA VISA - More than 80 enthusiasts of Cowboy poetry, songs and lifestyle gathered in Nara Visa to take part in an annual celebration honoring the western heritage for more than 20 years.

"We have signed posters from 1993, but we are not quite sure if this is the 24th or 25th annual Nara Visa Cowboy Poetry and Song Gathering," said Theresa Bruhn, board member.

The event brings people together at the Nara Visa Community Center Friday-Sunday for fellowship through song, poetry and love of the cowboy lifestyle, said Renee Rinestine, event coordinator.

More than 20 musicians, poets and vendors from across the country took part in the three day event, that included a horse shoe pitching contest, chuckwagon meals and daily performances.

"There is such a rich history to this event, it is an honor to be among the performers," said Sharla Swap, guitarist of Tucumcari Crossroads.

Swap, along with Kaylee Swap, Phillip Swap and Ethan Truelock performed Saturday evening as Tucumcari Crossroads, a country and bluegrass band.

"One of our favorite things about taking part in this event is hearing the songs and poetry of our fellow performers," Swap said. "Everyone has a story about their experiences from living the cowboy lifestyle."

One such story was shared by Rick Brumley of Sanford, Texas, about the late Buck Ramsey, one of the founders of the gathering.

Brumley said during the second year of the gathering, Buck had gone to bed and the night performances had come to an end. He said the chairs in the auditorium were pushed back and a dance was held.

"We got a bit carried away and were playing songs like 'Peggy Sue' and 'Johnny B Goode,'" Brumley said. "The following morning Buck came to me and said, 'I had a nightmare.' I swore someone was playing 'Peggy Sue' and 'Johnny B Goode' at our gathering."

Brumley said Ramsey was convinced it was all just a bad dream, but he said, "If it wasn't a dream, lets make sure it doesn't happen again."

Another facet of Western lifestyle enjoyed during the gathering was the authentic chuckwagon meals.

Operated by Rhett Cauble and his family, the chuckwagon served breakfasts, lunches and dinners cooked in Dutch ovens over a campfire.