Celebrating our 35th year, the Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering, a 501c(3) nonprofit, has been a major part of Durango’s western heritage and culture. We take pride in educating our community to our vital historical western roots through music, poetry, and art. True West Magazine has named us the “Best Cowboy Gathering” for 3 years in a row. This past year, we were recognized by The Durango Herald in their “Best of Durango & La Plata County” competition as one of the top 3 annual events in our area.
The event is truly one of a kind. We host premier professional concerts featuring some of the top cowboy performers from all across the country on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. During the day, several downtown venues partner with the Gathering hosting poets and musicians who perform free to the public. Saturday morning starts with a chuckwagon breakfast and Colorado’s largest non-motorized parade, followed by mostly free performances throughout the day.
As part of our mission, through our Poets/Musicians in the Schools program, authentic cowboys and cowgirls participate in educational presentations at 18 area schools, promoting Durango’s western heritage and bringing history to life. We touch the lives of over 5,000 students and their families through this program. Gathering volunteers mentor students to write a poem, song, or piece of art for our contest. In 2023, the contest will be judged by students from the Durango Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission. Contest winners will perform at the Gathering and hang their art work at City venues as well as at the Gathering. Some years we are able to offer harmonica classes to the students. The Gathering also partners with local FFA, 4H groups and Rodeo Clubs in our area by awarding them grants that they use for leadership workshops and summer programs
GET ALL THE GREAT BENEFITS OF BECOMING A SPONSOR TODAY!
We strive to recognize the businesses and individuals who support our western heritage. We have sponsorship packages tailored to fit the needs of both businesses and individuals. Our individual sponsorship packages are listed below. You may select the sponsorship level that best suits you and pay online using PayPal. If you prefer, you are welcome to download our Membership Form and either mail or email your form to us.
If you are interested in a business sponsorship, we would like to sit down and talk with you. Please contact Sue McWilliams at 970-749-5663, or email
Patron Level - $1,000
- Invitation for 2 to the exclusive Patron Party, an evening of entertainment and dinner
- 6 tickets to be used at any of our evening performances (value $270)
- Current year poster signed by the artist (value $30)
- Your name included in our Souvenir Program “Thank You” list
- Friends of the Gathering benefits listed below
Gold Buckle Level - $750
- 6 tickets to be used at any of our evening performances (value $270)
- Current year poster signed by the artist (value $30)
- Your name included in our Souvenir Program “Thank You” list
- Friends of the Gathering benefits listed below
Silver Buckle Level - $500
- 4 tickets to be used at any of our evening performances (value $180)
- Current year poster signed by the artist (value $30)
- Your name included in our Souvenir Program “Thank You” list
- Friends of the Gathering benefits listed below
Wrangler Level - $250
- 2 tickets to be used at any of our evening performances (value $90)
- Current year poster signed by the artist (value $30)
- Your name included in our Souvenir Program “Thank You” list
- Friends of the Gathering benefits listed below
Friends of the Gathering - $100
- Tickets to ONE of the following events (Value $30):
- Annual Barn Dance Fundraiser – June 11th, 5:00 pm, River Bend Ranch
- Durango Cowboy Theater Variety Show – September 28th, 6:00 pm, Wild Horse Saloon
- Cowboy Comedy Review – September 30th, 1:30 pm, Strater Hotel Pullman Room
- Current year poster signed by the artist (value $30)
- Your name included in our Souvenir Program “Thank You” list
OR Print Sponsorship Form and Mail Payment to:
Durango Poetry Cowboy Gathering
P.O. Box 2571
Durango, CO 81302
A huge THANK YOU to all of our generous donors and sponsors in 2023!
2023 GRANTORS
~ 2023 BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS ~
CATTLE BARON LEVEL
TRAIL BOSS LEVEL
VAQUERO LEVEL
ROUGHSTOCK LEVEL
RANCHERO LEVEL
FORMAN LEVEL
PARADE PARTNER
Deborah Russell & Elmer Wheeler
