Rodeo, parade, art festival highlight celebration

“Long Live Cowboys” is the theme of this year’s Days of ‘49 celebration, which runs today through Sunday, June 9.
Here’s a rundown of what’s planned over the next several days:
Thursday, June 8
The tug-of-war opens the celebration on the highway in front of Lisa’s restaurant.  The fun starts at 6 p.m.  To the winners go the glory — and to the losers, a good soaking. But most of all, it’s just great fun for participants and spectators alike. Sign-up sheets are available at Lisa’s.
Friday, June 9
The Friends of the Greybull Library organization is holding a book sale in the meeting room. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.  All kinds of books are available. Take as many as you want and leave a donation.
The Herb Asp Community Center will be the site of a two-day gun show sponsored by the Greybull Recreation District.  Show times are 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The show features a variety of guns, knives, hunting and sporting gear, self-defense, ammunition, and more.  There is no admission fee. For more information call 765-9575 or email greyrec@gmail.com.
Artists of the Big Horn County Arts Guild are displaying their pieces from all mediums today at Bob’s Diner and Bakery in downtown Greybull.  The artwork will incorporate the “Long Live Cowboys!” theme of the ‘49er celebration.  Vote for your favorite pieces from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.  A quick draw/finish event will follow at 5 p.m.  Artists will have one hour to complete their work, which will be auctioned starting at 6:30 p.m.
The spotlight of the evening will be on the rodeo grounds.  The annual Days of ‘49 rodeo, part of the Big Horn Basin Rodeo Circuit, starts at 7 p.m.  The event will begin with the crowning of the Days of ‘49 queen and princess.  Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 13 and senior citizens.
Saturday, June 10
The Big Horn County Arts Guild’s Arts Festival will be held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot across from Town Hall.  The event will be a showcase for local artists, the Greybull-Basin Farmers Market and other local vendors and also feature a dunk tank.
The Greybull Recreation District is organizing the Prehistoric Posse Kiddie Parade which starts at 10:15 a.m. The theme is Dinosaur Rodeo Roundup. Children of all ages are invited to bring their bikes, wagons, strollers, motorized vehicles, or feet to join in the festivities. Prizes will be given for the Best Bike, Greatest Use of Theme and Best Costume. Participants will line up in the Bank of Greybull parking lot at 9:45 a.m. and promenade to the Greybull Library starting at 10:15 a.m.  Parents can collect their children on the library lawn with plenty of time to find a place to watch the main parade afterwards. There is no fee or pre-registration. For more information call 765-9575 or email greybullrec@gmail.com.
The Main Parade will follow at 10:30 a.m. Float line-up starts at 10 a.m. at the corner of Buff Gym, across from the football field. The registration table will be outside the school district’s central office. The route will be the same, beginning on Eighth Avenue North and proceeding south on Sixth Street to the light, east on Greybull Avenue to Third Street and down to First Avenue South. LaWana Rainey and Morris Smith are the grand marshals.
Organizer Mike Howe is expecting another great turnout of vehicles for the Classic Car Show, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cars will be lined up on Greybull Avenue. Contact Mike Howe, 272-1415, for more information.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., The WYOming Scene will present the Long Live Cowgirls Fashion Show in front of the Silver Spur.  The first 25 with a wrist band receive a free swag bag.
The annual Kids Rodeo/Merchant Roping is planned for 2 p.m. at the rodeo grounds.  Wyo Clinic is sponsoring the event.  The kids rodeo includes barrels (buckles for each age group), poles (buckle to overall fastest time), steer riding and breakaway.  Non-horse participants can enjoy stick horse barrels, calf scramble, boot race and dummy roping. The ‘49er committee is still looking for teams to compete in the merchant roping. Contact Ronna Collingwood at Big Horn Federal or Sherri Wilkinson at Ram’s Head Insurance for information or to sign up.
The final event of the day will be a live musical performance by The Cowley Boys starting at 8:30 p.m. on the west end of Greybull Avenue.  Cover charge is $5 per person.  Coolers are permitted, but no glass containers.
Sunday, June 11
Drag racing has been among the most popular events of ‘49er weekend in recent years, but it will not be happening this year due to a problem with the track at the South Big Horn County Airport.
Greybull First Baptist Church and the Greybull Alliance Church will host Worship in the Park as part of the Days of 49 celebration.  Worship will begin at 10:30 a.m. but come early, bring a chair, and fellowship with each other starting at 10 a.m.  The Alliance Church will be choosing the songs; Pastor Cathy Bayert will be preaching.  A carry in dinner will follow, starting around 11:30 a.m.