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Show 4A Emery County Progress Castle Dale Utah Tuesday August 21, 2001 Cowboys, Chords & Cobbler Historical society meets for 9th annual evening of cowboy poetry Omn recited several, many By SYLVIA NELSON Staff, Emery County Progress The Emery County Historical Society held its 9th Annual night of cowboy poetry and song on Aug. 1 6, at die home of Kent and Jan Petersen of Fierron. This years title - Cowboys, Chords and Cobbler - drew a large group who wouldnt let the it might rain, a little wind dampen their enthusiasm, but the night calmed right into the perfect temperature. Hosts Jan and Kent, along with Society President, JoAnn Taylor, welcomed more than 100 guests to the ranch. They have the parking down to a science. People bring their own lawn chairs and jackets and camp out" on the spacious lawns under the cottonwoods to visit and relax in the cool night air while enjoying some of the finest entertainment in Southeastern Utah. The pledge of allegiance to the flag, Old Glory mounted in a place of honor on one of the stately cottonwood trees, was led by Society Secretary, Terry Williams. We want to welcome you all is out here to our place. Been is the last year so I guess its the last year again. But, we sure enjoy it and we hope you do, too, said Petersen after he say-ingth- Kent Petersen recites the cowboy prayer." Bert Oman of Castle Dale recites cowboy poetry for the audience. opened with the Cowboy Prayer. He told jokes on the other poets and entertainers as part of his introductions and also on himself. Singing familiar songs, some old time hum-alonand some originals, were Wes Curtis and Roger Barton, wrho have become almost a tradition. Curtis, formerly of Orangeville, travels each year from Cedar City for the occasion. We practiced so much this year, we learned a new song, said Curtis as he introduced the next number. Are you sure? It doesnt look familiar, quipped Barton. When you get our age, it gets harder to remember what you practiced, explained Curtis. Poets this year were Bert Oman of Castle Dale and Kent Petersen. Crowds relax beneath the trees of the Petersen home for an evening of cowboy poetry. Roger Barton and Wes Curtis fill the night with song. I his own. One inspirational poem was written for his cousin, Harry Andersons funeral, and brought tears to many. He followed it with a humorous story about a skunk bet. Petersen re--; cited poetry written by a couple of his favorite poet friends, and his own originals. One had been requested by Maribelle Wareham written about a red' roan mare that had raised all the Petersen children; it is entitled Old Blue. An additional dimension of entertainment was added this year; dancing. Becky Larsen tap danced to a country favorite, followed by a group who did three numbers. The last w as a high kicker . w here the ladies strutted their stuff and twirled their cowboy, hats in the air, while the audience clapped along. Members of the group are:.-- . Leader, Kitty Larsen of Oran-geville, Doris Behling, Grace.. Behling, Becky Larsen, Jan Petersen, and newest member, Whitney Behling, all of Perron, and Juanita Rasmussen of Castle Dale. Society President Taylor, Alice Ann Snyder and Jan start early, stir up the cobblers, set . up servingtables, and get every-- ,. thing ready, while Nyles Snyder, . Sam Singleton, and Kent start,, the flames on the charcoal in the , ; beautifully landscaped firepit; and the dutch oven cooking begins and continues while the per- formers are on stage. By the time the last word is recited and the last note is sung the cobbler smells fill the air. The smiling audience lines up for the apple, peach, and cherry cobblers hot off the fire and topped with ice cream. Taylor announced another annual, the trek to Cedar Mountain, which will be on Sept. 20. There wasnt any rush to get out of the parking lot; visitingwent on until way after dark. The tone of the evening prevailed with happy goodbye waves that said see ya again next year, same time, same place.. .the good Lord and the Petersens willing. . line-danci- ng . . -, |