Western Heritage Classic
Abilene, Texas

When: early May [check for this year's dates]

Where: Expo Center of Taylor County at 1700 Highway 36 in Abilene, Texas.

Round up the family for a trip to Taylor County-- home to the city of Abilene, which celebrates its pioneer past with an annual three-day tribute to the Old West way of life.

EVENTS

* The rumble of wagon wheels trumpet the arrival of the opening day parade, the marching bands and floats entertaining a crowd that will boot scoot the night away during the first of several street dances.

* The following day marks the start of the festival's main event, the ranch rodeo. From bronco busting to cattle roping, ranch hands from across the US show off their skills.

* Equestrian events are are showcased in several contests, including the cowboy matched horse races and the RHAA working ranch horse competition, in which rider and steed work in sync during displays of roping and reigning.

* "Come 'n get it!" Like the cattle drives of old, circle round the campfire as contestants rustle up the best barbecue around during the chuck wagon cook-off.

* While vittles cooked over an open flame satisfy your stomach, Texas tunes will satiate your soul as musicians take the stage for the fiddlers' contest and western warblers sing of life on the open plain during a melange of cowboy music and poetry.

* While a symphony of country and western sounds ring out at the Expo Center, a consonance of color greets visitors who stroll through the western art show exhibit. Inspired by the landscape of the Lone Star state, artists have captured the spirit of the cowboy in a variety of mediums ranging from wistful watercolors to bold bronze sculpture.

* Tony Lama boots and stiletto heels will take to the dance floor during the Rhinestone Round Up, an evening gala that adds a touch of glamour to the three-day fete.

SHOPPING

If all the equestrian events inspire you to hop on a horse, mosey over to the Bit and Spur Show, the largest of its kind in the world, where you can purchase or merely peruse through the array of rodeo merchandise.

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

Budding buckaroos will have a rootin', tootin' good time as they "giddyup" on a stick horse in a play rodeo rodeo, lasso a steer dummy and display their cowboy duds in a best-dressed contest.

For more information:

• visit www.westernheritageclassic.com