Since 2011, the Kansas Cowboy Poetry Contest has been giving voice to the ranching way of life, combining humor and heart in a celebration of cowboy culture. The idea began when the Symphony in the Flint Hills was held in Wabaunsee County, and then-Governor Sam Brownback encouraged the community to build on Kansas’ cowboy heritage. Rob Wilson, who helped launch the contest and now serves as its volunteer chair, has led the organizing committee ever since.
“Governor Brownback asked how we could build interest in our cowboy history,” Wilson said. “A local group came up with the idea of a poetry contest, and it’s been going strong ever since.”
The contest features two categories—humorous and serious—and only original, family-friendly work is allowed. Winners receive the Governor’s Buckle, a certificate signed by the governor, and a trophy buckle funded entirely by private sponsors.
One of those honors includes the Saddlejack Bradrick Award, named after a respected cowboy poet from Jewell County who embodied Kansas’ cowboy poetry tradition. “It’s a tribute to someone who represented the cowboy poetry spirit,” Wilson said.
The contest begins with two regional events: one in Hays on May 16 at the Hays Public Library, and the other in Cottonwood Falls on June 7. Top winners from each region will advance to the state finals on July 25 at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan.
“There’s no time limit, but each poet can submit only one poem per category,” Wilson explained. “We have a panel of judges who evaluate each entry based on quality, presentation, and theme.”
In addition to buckles and certificates, winners receive prizes like Western wear gift cards and a free membership to the International Western Music Association (IWMA) Kansas Chapter. “IWMA has been a great partner,” said Wilson. “It’s a network of people passionate about Western history and performance.”
While contestants pay a $15 fee to enter, all events are free for the public. “We really encourage people to come out,” Wilson said. “It’s an entertaining way to honor the lifestyle and hear from some truly talented poets.”
Participation varies year to year, with about 17 poets currently signed up for this season. While most contestants are from Kansas, the contest is open to poets from any state. “It started grassroots, and it’s stayed that way,” said Wilson. “But it’s built a lot of momentum. We’ve even had celebrity judges, like former Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss and KFRM’s Kyle Bauer. It’s a fun way to celebrate a meaningful part of Kansas history.”
Visit the Cowboy Poetry Contest website for more information and to enter your submissions.
