The National Cowboy Poetry Week is always the third week of April, and this year Cowboy Poets are coming to Bristow. Crossroads Ranch will host the Crossroads Cowboy Poetry Gathering April 22, 23 and 24, during National Cowboy Poetry Week. The competition for cowboy poets will be held at the ranch just north of Depew, all day Saturday, April 23, with a 'Cowboy Showcase' for the public to attend Saturday evening on April 23, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. The 'Cowboy Showcase' will be held at the old Roots building on Main Street in Bristow. It will be free to the public, however, any size donation is encouraged and all of the proceeds that night will go to Bristow Social Services. Those attending are encouraged to also bring non perishable items that night to be given to the food bank for BSS. There will be a box at the door for those items.
Cowboy poets and musicians are coming in from all over the U. S., and even a few from Canada to the Gathering to compete for awards and just get together. Dove Morgan Schmidt has been hosting the Gathering for several years, but had to stop meeting the past two years due to Covid.
“Some of the poets coming in are award winning poets that are well known in the Cowboy world.” Dove says, “We want to let the community share in the talent that is coming to town by having a night where all can enjoy it. Poets and musicians are coming in from as far away as California, Arizona and Canada, just to name a few.”
Trina Ishmael-Rowland, owner of the old Roots building at 305 N Main, is offering, 'Vintage Ishmael' for the meeting place for the 'Cowboy Showcase' at no charge. Vintage Ishmael is the new event center there and is planning to be open by then.
“It's going to be a fun night for Bristow folks to come out, support the community of Bristow, and enjoy some old West fun with top notch Cowboy poets and western musicians.” Dove encourages everyone to attend and that “it's amazing to get this kind of talent to Bristow.”