since 1995
An international group with members in AZ. CA. CO. FL. IN. NM. OK. OR. SC. TX. United Kingdom and Canada
Dedicated to the lives and times of the men and women of the Old West, and to the spirit of the era, 1860 through 1890
Festival Of The West
Scottsdale, AZ
now discontinued
The country's largest celebration of the Old West and the American Cowboy. A visit to The National Festival of the West, presented by Bison Ranch, in Scottsdale, Arizona is like a step back in time, back to an era that was simpler and certainly more rugged. There is plenty to see and do at The National Festival of the West. Western music, from three continuously playing stages, fills the air with songs and sounds of the old west. Silver screen celebrities stroll the aisles of the Festival, while the western movie theater shows some of our favorite westerns.
The gentleman who ran the show died, and even though an attempt was made to bring it back, the Festival remains dormant because it just hasn't been the same.
2009 Festival of the West proudly presented the Cowboy Spirit Award to TV's Wyatt Earp, Hugh O'Brian, Bruce Dern - one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation, and to Rex Allen, Jr., actor, singer, songwriter and entertainer.
The 2008 Festival of the West honored America's Favorite Cowboys and Grammy Award winning Western Music & Comedy team, Riders in the Sky - it's the Cowboy Way!! 2008 marks another first for Festival of the West's coveted Cowboy Spirit Award, when in a special tribute, they presented the award to John "DUKE" Wayne, and to Patrick Wayne.
The 2007 Festival of the West honored the television series, Laramie. Mary Ellen Kay, Peter Brown and Robert Fuller were just some of the celebrities this year. Ben Cooper, Shirley Jones and John Smith were honored with the Cowboy Spirit Award.
The 2006 festival was held at Rawhide, their new location in Phoenix, Arizona. June Lockhart was among many of the celebrities this year. Robert Horton and Morgan Woodward were honored with the Cowboy Spirit Award.
2004 Cowboy Spirit Award went to Dennis Weaver, Jack Palance and Robert Fuller .