Bristow Western Heritage Days organizers and committees began work mid-May to put on a growing and great event for the community to enjoy, harkening back to events held decades ago. Although, the event will grow each year, this year’s event will be bigger and better than last year’s, when the event was revived to the joy of Bristow residents.
For many years, Bristow area residents and visitors from across the state have questioned the disintegration of Bristow’s Western Heritage Days. Fortunately, local organizer Kristin Weaver and others decided to resurrect the event with hopes and goals to grow it in years to come, intending for it to become an annual Bristow staple once again.
In mid-May, volunteers first met and separated into committees. Each committee immediately began hustling to meet its goals as quickly as possible to the best of its abilities. Committees include those designed to secure food, goods, and entertainment vendors, venues, sponsors, activities, and volunteers. Additional committees continue their work on building the parade, dances, and in marketing the event. Their work has already proved successful in securing some exciting vendors and activities to enjoy with more to come.
The event begins on Friday, August 20th, tentatively kicking off with a rodeo. This year’s event will include rodeos, dancing, a parade, food and goods vendors, a tractor show, and more. On Saturday, August 21st, the final day of the event, tentatively scheduled plans include the parade, contests, entertainment, rodeo, and dance in the FFA building on the rodeo arena grounds. Although those activities are confirmed for the event, all plans involving timing are currently still being modified to fit the community’s needs and therefore subject to change.
Another fun activity planned for this year, the business decorating contest is open to all Bristow businesses. Businesses entering the contest will decorate their locations in western theme in advance of Western Heritage Days. Businesses along Main Street and areas where visitors will gather throughout the event are encouraged to participate. The winner will be announced and awarded on Saturday. This activity is still in the planning stages with more details to come as the main event draws near.
The organization’s next meeting will be held the evening of July 13th. Anyone interested in learning more, volunteering, sponsoring, or getting involved may contact organizers through the “Bristow Western Heritage Days” Facebook page.