By Ryan Duey

Wrangle up the family and join the Flint Hills Discovery Center for National Day of the Cowboy, an annual celebration of the national icon and the history and culture of the American West. This year’s event is on Saturday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outside, catch a horse-drawn carriage ride (until 1 p.m.), show off your arm strength at the dunk tank, and brand a wood block. Inside the Discovery Center, take a western-style photo “in jail”, at the saloon doors, or with our wooden bison calves. Meet rodeo queens and participate in fun activities. “This is one of our most popular events every year”, says Jonathan Mertz, Event Supervisor. “We encourage everyone to dress up as a cowboy or cowgirl, mosey on down to the Discovery Center, and celebrate with us.”

Mayor Pro Tem Karen McCulloh will read a National Day of the Cowboy proclamation at 10:05 a.m. Enjoy American folk music from Fiddler’s Dream from 10:15-11:15 a.m. and again from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Children’s activities:

· “Bull” roping with the K-State Rodeo Club

· Make a marionette horse

· Toss a (rubber) snake into a cowboy boot

· Play Cowboy Tic-Tac-Toe

· Learn about the life of a cowboy with our Cowboy Box, dress up, and take a digital photo

· Construct a Wagon Wheel puzzle

The first 250 children get a free “Day of the Cowboy” baseball cap courtesy of Wrangler and Vanderbilt’s. All these activities are included with regular-priced admission. The Sunflower Summer app can be used. There will also be food vendors selling their tasty vittles. Enjoy cuisine from Taco’s Food Truck and Rainbow Ice. Purchase Frostop sarsaparilla and root beer, and Wild Bill’s vanilla and orange soda in our gift store. Test your skills on a mechanical bull (additional cost, admission not required). More information about the National Day of the Cowboy can be found on the Flint Hills Discovery Center website at www.flinthillsdiscovery.org/cowboy.