From Deseret News archives:

Cowboy poets set to saddle up for Heber Buckaroo Fair

Published: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2003 7:28 a.m. MST

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HEBER CITY — Waddie Mitchell, considered the Michael Jordan of cowboy poets by some, will be the main attraction at the Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Buckaroo Fair Wednesday through Sunday, mostly at Wasatch High School.

Fellow cowboy legends Don Edwards and Baxter Black will perform along with Mitchell, who founded the world-renowned Elko Gathering.

"This year is something special. Heber City has attracted some of the biggest names in cowboy entertainment," said Tom Whitaker, the event's director and trail boss. "Normally, the only way to see these headliners is by attending the Elko Gathering or the Grand Ol' Opry."

The ninth annual event will feature concerts by the Bar J Wranglers from Jackson Hole, Wyo., and an East Texas BBQ dinner by Eddie Deen. Western wear, gear and cowboy collectibles will be on sale. Another highlight: the Cowboy Express, an entertaining ride on the Heber Valley Railroad.

Information is available online at www.hebercitycowboypoetry.com. Tickets can be purchased through Smith'sTix at www.smithstix.com or by calling 800-888-8499, and at Day's Market Place in Heber City, 435-654-2352.

The schedule:

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• Wednesday, 5 p.m., traditional Dutch oven dinner with music and poetry at Midway Town Hall; 7 p.m., cowboy poetry and music show with Waddie Mitchell, Ernie Sites, Prickly Pair and Jeff Carson.

• Thursday, 7 p.m., Cowboy Express on the Heber Valley Railroad with cowboy poets/entertainers on every car. All seats $25, which includes sweet roll and hot drink.

• Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., horse demonstrations with Clay Wright; 5 p.m., Cowboy Poetry and Buckaroo Fair opens; 7 p.m., Waddie Mitchell and Don Edwards show; 9 p.m.-midnight, country swing dance.

• Saturday, 10 a.m., Cowboy Poetry and Buckaroo Fair opens; 11 a.m., Baxter Black show; 3 p.m., Bar J Wranglers show with Waddie Mitchell and Ernie Sites; 4 p.m., Cowboy Celtic show; 7 p.m., Bar J Wranglers show with Waddie Mitchell.

• Sunday, 3 p.m., nondenominational gospel hour with Bar J Wranglers.