Join us for the largest non-motorized parade in Colorado on September 30, 2023!

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INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THE PARADE? READ ON PARDNER!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• The Cowboy Parade is FREE to enter and open to any entrant that is not motor propelled.
• The parade begins at 10:30 a.m.at the train depot and proceeds down Main St. to 12th St.
• No Political campaigning allowed in the parade.
• Parade activities will kick off the at 9:45 a.m. with local music groups at various locations up and down Main Street. Right before the 10:30 a.m. parade start, there will be an Old West gunfight just north of the Strater Hotel.
• Once you have registered for the parade, please download the following information: Everything You Need To Know For Parade Day
• Registration/Check-in tables will open at 8:45 a.m. at two locations. One will be on the corner of 5th Street and 3rd Avenue to make it easier to check in for those who have horses, donkeys and/or mules. The other check-in table will be across from the train station for those who are walkers/dancers or other entries which have no animals. It will also serve as a General Information Table.
• Online Entries will be accepted up until Thursday, September 28, but we recommend early registration.
  (Two advance registration options are provided below)
• All parade participants MUST sign a release form.
  

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ADVANCE PARADE REGISTRATION is encouraged!

If you miss the deadline for some reason, please contact Pam Jacobs, Parade Coordinator at (512) 517-5619 and we will make arrangements for you. We want you to participate but please know that it makes the parade lineup and the announcer’s job a lot easier if your entry is received by the deadline.
We really appreciate your help on this!

 

ONLINE PARADE REGISTRATION: (Preferred Method)

Please complete the Entry AND Release forms (adult and/or child) and submit online by clicking the links below.

Parade Entry and Adult Release Form

Additional Adult Release Form

Additional Child Release Form

 

PRINT AND MAIL IN PARADE REGISTRATION:

Please complete the Entry and Release forms and mail to:
Durango Cowboy Gathering
Attention: Parade Committee
PO Box 2571
Durango, CO 81302

Entry and Release forms must be received by Thursday, September 28.

Parade Entry Form

Adult Release Form

Child Release Form

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Parade entries will be judged and trophies will be awarded in the following categories: 

• Most Impressive Horse Entry 
• Most Impressive Mule or Donkey Entry 
• Most Fashionable Animal Entry  
• Best Spirit of the Old West 
• Best Youth Entry 
• Best Family Entry 
• Best Walking (non-mounted) Entry 
• Best Wagon Entry 
• Silver Spur Award (Judges’ Choice)

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INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?

If you are unable to participate in the parade itself, we are always looking for volunteers. No parade of this size can be successful without the efforts of its volunteers.

What are some things you can do?

• Intersection/barrier guards--traffic control
• Check-in process
• Assisting with the parade line-up
• Helping out with the horses and wagons
• Escorting guests and performers to the correct wagon
• Help supervise  FFA kids and their assignments
  

For more parade information, call (512)-517-5619 or email

Introducing the 2023 Grand Marshals of the Cowboy Parade

The Durango Cowboy Gathering is extremely proud to honor both Ben Nighthorse Campbell and his wife, Linda as the 2023 Grand Marshals of the Cowboy Parade.

Ben Campbell has amassed a collection of identities, excelling in all of them. From high school dropout, to Korean War Vet, to Olympic athlete, from jewelry artist to the United States Senator. While his accomplishments are many, perhaps none have been as significant to him as when he was ceremonially given the name “Nighthorse” by his father’s Northern Cheyenne tribe. The significance of his heritage is evident in the legislation he passed during his political career, spanning over two decades. He was also instrumental in opening the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.

Before becoming a politician, Ben’s love of judo took him to Japan. After several years of training, he captained the U.S. judo team in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Upon returning to California, he continued coaching judo while teaching high school Physical Education and Art. In the spring of 1966, he met Linda, a fellow teacher, while giving a faculty self-defense class. They started dating soon after and were married that same year.

Ben is quick to credit Linda for the dedication and stability she has brought to their marriage. Their life together has been a series of “we did that” milestones. A trophy-winning judo team, a thriving horse ranch, an influential political career, a respected educational career, a flourishing jewelry line, two successful children, Colin and Shanan, and four delightful grandchildren.

Now, Ben spends much of his time devoted to his jewelry making, for which he has received over 200 national and international jewelry design awards. His work has been represented exclusively at Sorrel Sky Gallery, owned by his daughter, for over 20 years. For 57 years, Linda has been deeply involved in whatever Ben’s focus was at the time, and her unfailing support in each of their adventures has meant success for both of them. In April, Ben, Linda, and their family celebrated another milestone … his 90th birthday.

After Saturday’s parade, the Cowboy Gathering will honor the Campbells at our Western Heritage tribute in the Mahogany Grill at the Strater Hotel. Everyone is invited to attend. There will be a lunch menu, a cash bar, and entertainment.

Cowboy Chuck Wagon Breakfast

7:30 to 10:00 am
Corner of 5th St. and Main Ave. in downtown Durango
Biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs and lots of black coffee. Tickets available at the wagon! More info 970-749-5663.