Western Cattle Trail Association issues revised schedule of events

McCOOK, Neb. — Changes have been made to the schedule for the Western Cattle Trail Roundup this weekend. All events will now be free to the public.

The Roundup will start with Tales of the Trail on Friday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m., at the Armed Services Reserve Center one mile east of McCook, Neb.

Great Western Trail authors Gary and Margaret Kraisinger will lead off the storytelling with an overview of the trail. Following with be stories from Southwest Nebraskans about events that happened on the trail. Anyone with a story is urged to attend and to share. Other information on the trail will also be available.

Friday evening, McCook manufacturer Parker Hannifin will sponsor the John Wayne movie, “The Cowboys” at the historic Fox Theatre on Norris Avenue beginning at 7:30. In this movie, John Wayne starts north with a herd of cattle and only school-aged boys as cattle hands. This free movie is rated PG.

Saturday morning will be the business meeting of the Western Cattle Trail Association, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Horse Creek Inn. You do not need to be a member to attend.

Due to the challenges of estimating participation, the chuckwagon and the noon meal will not be available on Saturday. The Saturday tour of the Western Trail will start at 1:00 at the home of Harold and Pam Potthoff, which is located halfway between Stratton and Trenton off Highway 34 at mile marker 348.  There is a Golden Harvest sign at the turn-off.  The tour will start ½ mile north.

Mule-drawn wagon rides will be provided. Participants will be able to walk the trails where the cattle traveled. All these events are now FREE to the public and pre-registration is not necessary.

The WCTA is marking the Western Trail from Texas to Ogallala and north to the Canadian border. A demonstration will be given on how to visit a marker, hook up to the WCTA website and hear stories about the surrounding area. The goal of the WCTA is to preserve the colorful history of the Western Cattle Trail for future generations to enjoy.