Payson Roundup

Editor:

The National Day of the Cowboy was celebrated in Payson this past Saturday with music performances organized by the “Wagon Wheel Territory” group of businesses. The event was successful due to the excellent performances by musicians who volunteered their time to celebrate cowboy history and culture.

I would like to thank the following performers and the businesses that hosted them during this event. Many thanks to: Joe and Katherine Miracle, and the Hashknife Band who performed at the Western Village; Halos and Horns (Mike Simons and LaDonna Luckman) who performed at Galarneau’s Gems; Wayne Todd who performed both at Oasis Bookstore and the Red Elephant; Bryan Higgins who performed at the Wild Brush; Bill Camp who performed at the Mazatzal Casino, Brandon Shepard who performed at Kohl’s Ranch; Eddie Armer who performed at The Boutique; the Arizona Autoharp Club (June Fessenden and Bob Pester) who performed at Tom Kelly Upholstery; Johnny Vela who performed as a DJ at Majestic Mountain Inn; and Ken Wolffer who performed at the Payson Farmers Market and When Cowboys Dream.

I would also like to extend a big thank you to the Habitat for Humanity Restore and to The Old Town Pawn and Gun Shop for hosting. Thanks to all of you for a job well done.

The underlying purpose of this event was two-fold. First, the cowboy heritage in the great Southwest is certainly something to remember and cherish as an important part of our culture and history. Second, this event supported local shops and businesses, many of whom have been hit hard by our economic downturn during the past year. It is important to support our local economy as our community recovers.

Thank you to the people of Rim Country and visitors who supported this event with your good wishes and participation.

Anne James